[4] The Big Basin was also used as a landmark and watering site for trail drives of cattle northward from Texas to railroads in Kansas.

[5] Willard D. Johnson of the United States Geological Survey visited Big Basin at the turn of the 20th century and published the following account in 1901: Research has determined that St Jacob's Well is 84 ft (26 m) wide and 58 ft (18 m) deep.

"Janie" Stein, formed the Big Basin Foundation and contacted and worked closely with numerous agencies, congressional representatives, and individuals over several years.

[8] She worked with local landowners and The Nature Conservancy to encourage setting this land aside to protect bison and pronghorn.

Her son John Paul Stein wrote a song about his mother's involvement in this project.