one of the largest osage bands was led by chief black dog ("manka - chonka"). his men finished what became known as the black dog trail by 1803. it started from their winter territory. this territory was east of baxter springs, and it went southwest to their summer hunting area at the great salt plains in present-day alfalfa county, oklahoma. the osage regularly stopped at the springs for healing on their way to summer hunting area. they made the trail by clearing it of brush and big rocks. they built ramps from the ground to the fords. the trail was the first improved road in kansas and oklahoma. it was big enough for eight horsemen to be riding side-by-side.