The foundations of a peace treaty to end the 1855-56 uprising were first laid at this meadow along the lower Illinois River about four miles from its confluence with the Rogue. In May of 1856, Army Col. Robert Buchanan and Capt. Andrew Smith met on Oak Flats with the leaders of local tribes, as well as chiefs Limpy and George, who had fled down river from the interior valleys, and persuaded them to gather their people at Big Bend to surrender. The one hold-out was Chief John of the Applegates, who would turn the tables on the Army at Big Bend.