 The town was famed for a "Wild West" atmosphere; murders, drunken brawls, and "sporting" practical jokes were commonplace.When the Carson and Colorado Railroad reached the town in 1882 its population was 500, and the town was served by a doctor, assay office, express office, telegraph station, livery stable, school, two hotels, restaurants, and blacksmith shops as well as by seven saloons.The post office was in operation from December 1874 until 1894.