Buffalo Springs was a landmark as early as 1849 and a watering place for buffalo hunters. It was the site of a proposed permanent United States Army post in July 1867, but the plan was abandoned due to lack of water and timber on November 19, 1867, and Fort Richardson on Lost Creek was established instead on November 26, 1867. Buffalo Springs later served as a stage stand and campground between that post and Fort Sill. It was also the scene of a battle on July 12, 1874, between Indians and George W. Stevens, Captain of Texas Rangers.