In July, 1855, the first settlers in Cache Valley, 23 men and 2 women under the leadership of Martin Ensign and Bryant Stringham, came to Willow Valley with about 2000 cattle, established Elk Horn Ranch near some fine springs about one mile northwest of this spot, and built the first house in the valley. An early and severe winter killed most of the cattle, and only 450 were alive in 1856. On October 9, 1899, this property was deeded to Brigham Young College.