[1][2][3] Fort Wicked was one of the few places along the trail to Denver that withstood an attack by Lakota (Souix), Cheyenne, and Arapaho Native Americans (Indians) in the Colorado War of 1864.

[6] In 1864, there was increased likelihood of attacks by Native Americans in the area and he made a fortress out of his ranch with gun ports put in between adobe bricks, a lookout tower on top of the house, and a six-foot high wall surrounding the property.

[7] At Fort Sedgwick, the Native Americans (Indians) killed ten soldiers and four civilians and gathered so much looted food from the settlement of Julesburg that it took three days to remove it to their village at Cherry Creek[7][8][9] Three groups of Native Americans, the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Sioux then attacked stage stations and ranches along the South Platte Trail over six days.

The battle lasted from night till morning, with the Indians using various tactics such as trying to burn the house with flaming arrows to kill the men inside, all of which failed.

[4] George Bent, a Cheyenne warrior and a participant in the war, recounted many events during the raids along the South Platte.

[4] In 1869 or 1870, the Godfreys moved to Platte River district of LaSalle, Colorado, south of Greeley, and raised stock and farmed.

[4] Nothing remains of the former ranch and stage station, but a historical marker was placed at the site, which is about three miles southwest of Merino.