The territory now embraced in Sioux county was first claimed by Spain, due to Coronado's trip from New Mexico into the land of Quivera, which was without doubt Nebraska. After 1739, when Mallet brothers made their trip into the great plains, it was claimed by France. For a time it was the pawn of kings, but finally was sold by Napoleon to the United States. At the time of the sale the Spanish flag was flying in Saint Louis, although the territory was technically the property of France. To complete the transfer the Spanish flag came down and the French flag went up. The French inhabitants of the city were wildly demonstrative of the event, and asked that it might remain there for a day that they could properlv celebrate. This request was granted. The purchase was made in 1803. but the transfer took place in March. 1804.

Recently Nebraska seems to have shown the existence of prehistoric races, although for many years no trace of such were to be found. This race seems to have utterly disappeared. They apparently lived in underground houses, probably due to the rigorous climate, and the lack of fuel on the great plains. That these peoples were as far west as Sioux county is not yet demonstrated. There were, however, found ancient ruins north of Bridgeport and near Agate, about a half a century ago. Those near Agate were on the top of a high hill after the manner of the Aztec ruins of the southwest. Yet according to the best authorities, I am led to the opinion that the ruins were left by the Paducas or Comanches about the year'eigh-