A natural ford on the Bear River, first used by Indians, trappers, and explorers, was chosen by John Hailey in 1863 as the crossing point for his new stagecoach road from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Boise, Idaho. Unknown hands carved “Boise Ford 1853” on a large stone on each bank of the river. The ford, located approximately three-quarters of a mile south and two miles east, remained in use until bridges were built.