In the early 1850s immigrants passing through the Rogue Valley crossed the river at a ford, and later a ferry, located downriver from where the Applegate River enters the Rogue (about 5 miles east of present-day Grants Pass). By 1853 the ferry was being run by a settler named James Vannoy, and his house, fortified against Indian attacks, was known as Fort Vannoy. It was the site of several conflicts with Indians during the wars, and one of the headquarters of the local volunteer militia.