Medicine Bow National Forest was originally established in 1902 to preserve this unique piece of historic Wyoming wilderness for posterity. For generations, various Native American tribes congregated in this region as a part of a ritual powwow ceremony. The tribes would search for a particular type of mahogany wood that was considered to be especially good for bows. It was also believed that it could cure illnesses and diseases, and bows made with this wood played a large role in various rituals and ceremonies.