 The expedition's route became known as Cooke's Wagon Road, and was part of the southern route of the 49ers to California during the California Gold Rush.The spring was the first significant source of water found by the expedition after two days and 40 miles travel, southwest of Burro Cienega.Whitmire Pass through which Cooke's expedition crossed the Animas Mountains on November 25 lies 7 miles west southwest of the springs.