After spending the winter of 1834–35 in Montrose, Iowa (near Keokuk, IA) 3 companies of United States Dragoons under the leadership of Lt. Col. Stephen W. Kearny passed northwest along the Des Moines River towards what is now, Des Moines. At what is now Ottumwa, they looked northwest and could see a high point about 25 miles northwest just north of the Des Moines River and South of the South Skunk River that is roughly where the Oskaloosa Court House now stands. They headed that way and built an enclosure in what is now Oskaloosa just south of the City Library. After a rest and recuperation period of about two weeks, they continued northwest approximately along what is now State Highway 163. About 4 miles northwest of Oskaloosa, they passed over the very north end of what is now the Tassel Ridge Vineyard.
If you are interested in Iowa history, this article from Iowa History Journal will be very enlightening. Use this link to read the article: https://iowahistoryjournal.com/ihj-exploring-history-dragoon-trail-commemorating-iowas-frontier-past-and-the-dragoons-who-helped-shape-our-states-growth/
By the way, the Iowa History Journal provides very interesting insights into Iowa History and worth reading.
