The pioneers came to a fork in the trail as they moved west on April 21, 1847. The road to the left would take them directly through a large Pawnee Indian village, near present day Columbus. They opted for the northern road. It led them away from the Platte, along a smaller river called the Loup.

During a midday stop, about 75 Pawnees including their chiefs rode across the river into the pioneer camp.

HOWARD EGAN:

"THEY MANIFESTED SOME DISATISFACTION BECAUSE THEY DID NOT RECEIVE MORE PRESENTS AND TOLD US WE MUST GO BACK. WE PAID NO ATTENTION TO THEM."

That night, they camped where Looking Glass Creek flows into the Loup. The guards kept a good watch.