The land between the confluence of Cottonwood Creek and the South Fork of the Clearwater was the traditional home of Red Owl, a sub-chieftain of the Looking Glass band. Thus caches of food and supplies were stocked here. The entire Looking Glass band had retreated to Red Owl's camp after the attack on their village on July 1. The three fleeing bands of Joseph, White Bird, and Toohoolhoolzote joined Looking Glass here at the end of the first week in July.