At the start of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, settlers around Columbia, now Spencer, hastily formed an oxcart train and started for the stockade at Forest City. On the way to Diamond Lake, the refugees met other settlers fleeing from the Eagle Lake area. The two groups joined together and traveled toward Forest City. On August 20, 1862, along the Diamond Lake shore, the combined refugees fought a running battle with Dakota warriors. The engagement ended in the afternoon, and the refugees continued on to camp for the night at Wheeler Lake, a few miles to the southeast.