An important Hudson's Bay Company fur trade post was established in 1834 four miles west of here on the bank of the Snake River. Although fur trading declined, this British post became famous for its hospitality to American travelers on the Oregon Trail. An 1845 report spoke of two acres of land under cultivation, 1,991 sheep, 73 pigs, 17 horses, and 27 meat cattle, a welcome oasis at the ford of Snake River after 300 thirsty miles from Fort Hall. A flood in 1853 washed away the adobe buildings, and Indian trouble forced the Company to abandon the post two years later.