Following a career with Pierre Chouteau, Jr. and Company, Geminian Pierre Beauvais established his own trading post in 1849 on the South Platte River near California Crossing. Beauvais traded with Indians and white travelers and was reported to have one of the best equipped ranches on the Overland Trail.

A National Historic Landmark, the ranch included log houses, a sod storehouse, and several shops. During Indian raids along the Platte in 1864-65, Beauvais was used by the First Nebraska Cavalry as a base of operations for this portion of the westward route. A barracks was constructed to house the troops and a fortification erected.

The ranch was abandoned when the Union Pacific Railroad reached the vicinity in 1867.