Mountain men tramped through Utah's northernmost lands in search of beaver and other fur-bearing animals as early as 1819. They found good trapping near Cache Valley and stayed for several seasons, holding one rendezvous. The fur trappers often stored their valuable pelts in a cache, a French word for hiding place, for which the valley was later named. Cold winters and hostile Indians discouraged permanent settlement in the area until 1856, when a small group of Mormons established Maughan's Fort (now Wellsville). Uncertainties caused by the Utah War delayed the founding of Logan and other communities another 3 years. Farms, dairy industries, and livestock raising begun in the early years continue to be an important part of Logan's economy today.