A bad ford gave trouble to wagon trains crossing this stream on the trail to California and Oregon in 1849. In that year, gold-seeking 49ers developed a short cut (practically U.S. 30 west of here)which crossed this stream. By the early 1850’s, two bridges had been built and their enterprising owner was charging $1 a wagon toll–which not everyone could afford. Penniless emigrants struggling in the water cursed while richer companies comfortably clattered across the bridges.