In 1845, just before Texas joined the Union, the United States government had the Canadian River explored. Topographical engineer James W. Abert, a West Point graduate, led a 33-man party and spent two or more days in the vicinity of this site. Near here he was visited by Kiowa Indians, who said they were at war with Texans, and he was made welcome after he proved to be an American. His map of the river and notes on geography and the Indians proved valuable to Texas and the nation.