When the Territory was opened in 1854, the Iowa Indians inhabited most of northern Doniphan County. Shortly after the passage of the Kansas- Nebraska bill a treaty was made between the U.S. Government and the Indians, by which the Indians sold a most of their lands and accepted the diminished reserve which they still occupy. The land that was then released to the Government was known as the "Iowa Trust lands," and was, with the exception of 480 acres, sold to the highest bidder (adapted from William G. Cutler's "History of the State of Kansas").