Rabbit Ear Mountain, the remnants of certain ancient volcanoes, is named to pay tribute to Chief, Orejos de Conjeo, a Cheyenne Chief who died in 1717 during a battle with Spanish Colonists. Aside from being believed to be the site for 2 great battles 200 years ago, it is considered as the first important landmark of merchants travelling from the Santa Fe Trail from Missouri.

The mountains? two mounds are the first elements that became visible in crossing the trail to New mexico from Oklahoma. From the site, an estimated 200 miles more will lead a caravan to Santa Fe. It is also serves as a landmark for wagon trains on the Cimarron Cutoff.

It became a National Historic Landmark in 1963.