The Big Muddy Valley and surrounding badlands had an appeal to to a wide variety of people.

Obviously the plains natives were the first peoples in the area as the game was  abundant due to a good supply of water. Evidence of their presence is scattered throughout the area in the form of stone effigies, ceremonial circles, tepee rings and buffalo jumps.

 The early ranchers and settlers in the area were drawn here due to the reliable water supply from the numerous springs in the valley.

Last but not least were the Outlaws of the Big Muddy. The rugged terrain of deep, well treed coulees, wind and water eroded clay and sandstone caves along with it’s remote location made this an ideal place for their operations