The traditional land of the Modoc Indians was on the border of Oregon and California, over 300 miles from Stockton, California. In 1873, they were removed from Oregon, and were settled in Indian Territory (the eastern region of Oklahoma Territory) in 1874; they were not permitted to return to Oregon until 1909. "The Big Valley" is set in Stockton during 1876-1878, so it it impossible for the store owner to ride out to the Modoc reservation in the evening.