Fort Wicked, formerly called Godfrey’s Ranch, was home to Holon and Matilda Godfrey’ and their children from 1860-1867. The family opened a general store that sold, amongst other things, baked goods, butter, eggs, and seasonal vegetables. Many of their customers were travellers on the Overland Trail.

However, life changed for the Godfrey family in 1865. During a series of raids led by members of area Indian tribes, their ranch was targeted and attacked. According to author Kenneth Jessen in a column for the Loveland Reporter-Herald, on the second day of the attack, “The battle continued through the day and into the early evening…” and “When the Indians attacked the following morning, Godfrey feared he and his men would run out of bullets. Using lead bars, the women started casting more bullets, delivering them to the men as fast as they could make them.” Some stories claim that Celia Godfrey, daughter of Holon and Matilda, put out an impending fire amid a shower of flaming arrows and bullets.

Ultimately, the family was able to defend their home. However, the raids continued, and two weeks later the nearby Spring Hill Station was one of many places destroyed.