In this vicinity, the Texas-Montana, Bacon and Potter, and J.S. Chisum trails converged. Over these routes, great herds of Texas Longhorns, scions of hardy stock from Spain, moved northward. Big Springs, 2.4 miles west, was an important cattle watering place. Legend says that Billy Comstock, an early scout, was killed here by Indians, who left him unscalped in tribute to his courage and ability.