Rock Creek was started in 1857, when a cabin was built by a settler on the north side of the Little Blue River. In 1859, Dave McCanles, a former sherriff from North Carolina, bought the cabin, then promptly erected a toll bridge next to the cabin. There was a creek with very steep banks that flowed into the river on the north side. He a felt a bridge was necessary because it was on the Overland Trail, the Oregon Trail and the stop #2 on the famous Pony Express Trail. The Overland Stage Co. then decided to rent the bridge from him. The Overland Stage company then took over his bridge and cabin (as a toll booth).
After the railroad replaced these modes of transportation, Rock Creek faded into history.
In 1861, the Overland Stage company hired Horace Wellman to mange the stage station and a 23 year old man as a stable hand. The name of the stable hand was JAMES HICKOK. Dave Mc Canles thought he had a funny look and that his nose almost touched his upper lip. He nicknamed him "Duck Bill." The name "Bill" stuck.
After a while, Dave McCanles became upset with the Overland Stage Co. They were renting his land and they had only paid their down payment. He had received no more money from them according to the payment schedule that was set up.
On July 12, 1861, he went to the station (his old cabin) with a cousin James Wood, his son Monroe and a friend, James Gordon. Wood and Gordon would wait outside. McCanles knocked on the door and Mrs. Wellman answered. Mrs. Wellman said her husband would not come out. McCanles demanded money or he would take his old property back by force. McCanles said Horace Wellman would either come out or he would come in and drag him out. Just then, Hickok showed up and went inside. Then McCanles entered and stood by the door. Hickok went into the bedroom with Horace, which was separated by a curtain partition. A certain action by Hickok inside caught McCanles attention. McCanles wasn't sure what Hickok was doing, but it was suspicious. He called for Hickok to come out, if he wanted to fight, they would fight right now.
Appparently, Hickok realized he and Horace would be no match for big, strong McCanles. Hickok grabbed the rifle and fired through the curtain, hitting Mc Canles in the heart. Ironically, the gun that killed him was his own from North Carolina, he had left it for them to protect the station with.
Wood and Gordon heard the shot and came running. Then Hickok stepped into the doorway and fired twice at each of them. Wood was severely wounded and staggered around the corner of the cabin and fell. Gordon was not wounded as bad, and ran for the trees along the creek. Just then Wellman came out with a garden Hoe in his hand and walked around the corner of the cabin and bashed Wood's head in. Then he turned toward Monroe (McCanles son). Monroe, who had stood paralyzed with shock during the whole incident, then instinctively took off running. The young boy easily outran the older man and he ran for home. The whole time Mrs. Wellman had stood in the doorway yelling, "Kill them all."
Hickok, Wellman and a stock tender named Doc Brink, headed for the creek. Brink had his shotgun with him. The located Gordon in the trees and used the gun to kill him.
Mrs. McCanles sent out word to Dave McCanles brother James in Johnson County. He came quickly and stopped in Beatrice and found the sheriff, who swore out warrants for Hickok, Wellmn and Brinks. The three were arrested and sent to Beatrice for trial. Beause of Monroe McCanles young age, he was not allowed at the trial, even though he was a key witness. The jury found the three innocent of self defence, and they were set free. As it happened, James B. Hickok was turned loose to become one of the most notoriuos gunmen in the west.
To get to Rock Creek, start in Fairbury. Take Highway 8 southeast for about 6 to 8 miles to Rock Creek Satation State Historical Park. A modest entry fee is charged to get in.
