One of the best kept secrets in the state lies near Cedar Bluff State Park and Reservoir. Threshing Machine Canyon was a station on Butterfield’s Overland Despatch (BOD) or the Smoky Hill Trail.

Interesting Facts about Threshing Machine Canyon:

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• Originally known as Bluffton Station on BOD

• Site of 1867 Native American attack

• Freighters were transporting a threshing machine to Brigham Young in Salt Lake City

• Group stopped for the night below limestone bluffs in canyon

• Group was ambushed during the night

• All the men were killed and the threshing machine was set on fire

• Remains of the burned machine could be seen for years

• Remains now on display at Trego County Historical Society Museum in WaKeeney

• Travelers carved their names and dates in the limestone bluffs

• Carvings dating back to the mid-1800s are still visible

• Area located in Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area, which is closed to the public during certain seasons

• Check with Cedar Bluff State Park Office for directions and open/closed  status