Named after an armed engagement in the Cypress Hills region in May 1873, between American wolf hunters and a small group of Assiniboine Indians, led by Chief Little Soldier. The Americans were "hot-tempered" about a number of missing horses, and they believed that Indians were to blame. Encamped by the creek, a number of Chief Little Soldier's band were drinking cheap, "rot gut" whisky which they had obtained from a nearby trading post. When the American wolfers came upon Little Soldier's group, they accused the Indians of horse theft, an argument ensued and gunfire soon followed. Although they were outnumbered, the Americans killed 36 Indians, gaining the upper hand with their superior position and repeating Henry rifles. This incident became known as the "Cypress Hills Massacre" and provided Prime Minister John A. Macdonald with a strong case to have the necessary legislation passed through the House of Commons to establish the North West Mounted Police.

Flows east, crossing the Alberta-Saskatchewan boundary, approximately 60 km south-east of Medicine Hat.