At what was then called Wilkin's bridge, there was a skirmish during the American Civil War. The skirmish occurred on October 13, 1864, between the troops of the 5th Regiment, Missouri State Militia Cavalry, and the troops of General Fagan, who were guarding the bridge, during Price's Raid.[4]
Petite Saline Creek was so named for the salty character of the little creek.[5]
Lewis & Clark passed by on June 6, 1804, and made mention of this creek in their journals. ‘Passed the mouth of a creek called ‘saline’ or ‘salt’ creek. This river is about 30 yards wide and has so many licks and salt springs on its banks that water of the creek is brackish. One very large lick is 9 ms up on the left side. The water of this spring is strong. So much so, that it is said one bushel will make 7 pounds of good salt.”