Flowing through the area known as Council Bluffs, Iowa, was a stream named Mosquito Creek. It flowed in a generally southwest direction and joined the Missouri River about 5 miles south of Council Bluffs.
Its name came from the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints camping there who were bothered by the mosquitos that swarmed near the stream.
The Saints changed the name of Council Bluffs to Kanesville in honor of Thomas L. Kane. Once the Saints left the area to head to the Great Basin, the name was changed back to Council Bluffs. Several camps were established near Mosquito Creek.
Bridges crossing the stream had to be built to facilitate crossing. Along with water, the area provided the pioneers with wild strawberries to supplement meager food supplies.
On the north side of the creek is a hill the Saints called Redemption Hill. This site temporarily served as the LDS Church's headquarters while a ferryboat was constructed to allow the Saints to cross the Missouri River to Nebraska. When Oliver Cowdery returned to the church, he was baptized in Mosquito Creek.
The stream’s course has changed since the days when the Saints were there; it previously joined the Missouri farther south.