Buffalo Bill Ranch: Difference between revisions
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'''Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park''', also known as '''Scout's Rest Ranch''', is a living history [[List of Nebraska state parks|state park]] located west of [[North Platte, Nebraska|North Platte]], [[Nebraska]]. |
'''Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park''', also known as '''Scout's Rest Ranch''', is a living history [[List of Nebraska state parks|state park]] located west of [[North Platte, Nebraska|North Platte]], [[Nebraska]]. The original ranch was established in 1878 with an initial purchase of 160 acres just south of the Union Pacific tracks by [[Buffalo Bill|William (Buffalo Bill) Cody]]. The 4,000 acre ranch was sold in 1911 and has been under the management of the [[Nebraska Game and Parks Commission]] since 1964. The 25 acre historic state park (deemed a [[National Historic Landmark]] in 1978) is open weekdays from April to October. The house and outbuildings can be toured, including a museum documenting Cody’s life from a [[Pony Express|Pony Express rider]] to his Wild West shows. |
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==Founding of the Cody-North Ranch== |
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The property includes a home owned by [[Buffalo Bill]], as well as many other historical exhibits. The park can be found along [[U.S. Route 30]] two miles west of North Platte. |
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In 1877 Cody contacted [[Frank North|Major Frank North]], the leader of the [[Pawnee Scouts]], who was living in [[Sidney, Nebraska]]. Cody suggested that he and the North brothers go into the cattle business with him. All parties involved agreed and founded the Cody-North Partnership. North found land along the [[Dismal River]] on which cattle could graze and a ranch could be built. This land was 65 miles north of North Platte. While Cody continued touring his “[[Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show|Buffalo Bill’s Wild West]]” show, North purchased many cattle at the north end of the Texas cattle trail near [[Ogallala, Nebraska]]. North also hired cowboys to help operate the ranch while Cody remained on tour.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=The Great Plains Guide to Buffalo Bill: Forts, Fights & Other Sites|last=Barnes|first=Jeff|publisher=Stackpole Books|year=2014|isbn=0811712931|location=|pages=}}</ref> |
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This ranch grew in size to encompass nearly seven thousand acres. 2,500 acres were planted for alfalfa and 2,500 were corn.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=Last of the Great Scouts: The Life Story of Col. William F. Cody, "Buffalo Bill"|last=Wetmore|first=Helen Cody|publisher=Duluth Press Publication Company|year=1899|isbn=|location=|pages=}}</ref> The [[Omaha Bee]] reported on Cody’s ranching operations frequently. The Bee described this ranch as one of the most improved farms in Nebraska. In cooperation with Isaac Dillon, a neighboring rancher, Cody and Dillon built a 12 mile irrigation ditch, capable of watering 6,000 acres of crops.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|title=The Lives and Legends of Buffalo Bill|last=Russell|first=Don|publisher=University of Oklahoma Press|year=1960|isbn=|location=|pages=}}</ref> This property was financially viable for Cody. By the 1880s, however, other [[Homestead Acts|homesteaders]] had begun to move into this area of Nebraska and had taken much grazing land. In 1882 the Cody-North Ranching Operation ended and was bought out by John Bratt.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Nebraska Sand Hills: The Human Landscape|last=McIntosh|first=Charles Barron|publisher=University of Nebraska Press|year=1996|isbn=0803231849|location=|pages=}}</ref> |
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It includes a [[Second Empire (architecture)|Second Empire]]–style mansion built in 1886. It was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1978.<ref name=nris/> |
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== Founding of Cody Ranch ("Scout's Rest Ranch") == |
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During the time of owning the Cody-North Ranch, Cody grew quite fond of the North Platte area. In 1878, the same time as owning the Cody-North ranch to the north, Cody began buying land surrounding North Platte. The first purchase of land was 160 acres for $750, just south of the Union Pacific tracks that run through North Platte. In the coming years Cody purchased nearly 4,000 more acres adjacent to North Platte.<ref name=":0" /> Cody built an eighteen-room mansion on the property which, at the time, was a treeless prairie. From the third floor of the mansion you could see for miles.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Pony Express Trail: Yesterday and Today|last=Hill|first=William E.|publisher=Caxton Press|year=2010|isbn=0870044761|location=|pages=}}</ref> Cody had land in [[Kansas]] that had many tall, established trees and missed that aspect of life on his new ranch. Cody enlisted Al Goodman, his brother-in-law, to discover why trees wouldn’t grow on his new property, and more specifically North Platte. After much experimentation, Goodman discovered the issue of water on the roots and planted many [[Populus deltoides|cottonwoods]] and [[Acer negundo|box-elder]] around the property, turning the ranch into an oasis of trees on the treeless desert of the Nebraska plains. Goodman told all of the people of North Platte about his discoveries, so that they might have trees as well.<ref name=":1" /> |
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| ⚫ | During [[2011 Missouri River |
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[[File:Barn, view to the north.jpg|thumb|Barn, view to the north]] |
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Louisa (Cody’s wife) and their daughters moved to North Platte in February of 1878. They monitored the building of their home on the new farm, where he eventually wanted to retire. Cody loved showcasing his new land and often brought out family, friends, and celebrities. These guests, along with his family, enjoyed spending time with the cowboys employed on the ranch. The ranch developed over the years with the help of the Goodmans, who operated the ranch and managed the high-grade livestock and [[Thoroughbred|thoroughbred horses]].<ref name=":0" /> By 1885, 1,200 acres were planted as corn, 100 acres of [[alfalfa]], 50 of [[Proso millet|broomcorn]], and a small oat field. This ranch was run with 80 horses and 30 men, rising to 60 men in busy seasons.<ref name=":2" /> When the trees finally grew the southern portion of the ranch turned into a wooded park with deer, several young [[Bison|buffaloes]], and a large lake. This area of land would soon be called “Scout’s Rest Ranch”.<ref name=":1" /> Cody was so proud of his ranch that he had the words “Scout’s Rest Ranch” painted on the roof of the large barn, so that it could be read from the [[Union Pacific Railroad|Union Pacific]] tracks nearly a mile away.<ref name=":0" /> |
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This ranch was revolutionary for the time. Cody imported many [[wikt:blooded|blooded]] cattle and thoroughbred horses at a time when that was not common. The land was transformed from treeless [[prairie]] to a lightly forested area. Despite many advancements and profitable years, costs became too much to bear and Cody sold the ranch in 1911 for $100,000. |
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== Impact on surrounding areas == |
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Cody spent a large portion of his time, while not touring, at his North Platte residences. During this time, Cody spent a large amount of money on the people of North Platte. He purchased the most expensive uniforms for the town band. Originally, each of the churches in town received $500. Each year Cody paid off the debt of the five churches in town, paid the pastors a living salary, and donated land for cemeteries. Cody also donated land for a fairground and was known to tip heavily throughout town.<ref name=":0" /> |
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== Modern History == |
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[[File:Cody House, view to the northwest.jpg|thumb|Cody House, view to the northwest]] |
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The original two-story house was built in 1886 for Al and Julia Goodman. Al and Julia Goodman are Cody’s sister and brother-in-law who managed the ranch. This house was built by Patrick Walsh, a native of North Platte, for $3,900. In 1964 the house was renovated and restored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as part of the process for making Scout’s Rest Ranch a State Historical Park, Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park. Since 1964, the State Historical Park has been open to the public.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://focus.nps.gov/nrhp/AssetDetail?assetID=0fd09711-d630-41a7-91bb-a58fd88be0f4|title=National Register of Digital Assets - Scout's Rest Ranch|last=|first=|date=January 30, 1978|website=National Parks Service - National Register of Historic Places|publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior|access-date=}}</ref> |
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=== Park Information === |
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[[File:Scout's Rest Ranch Historic Buildings.jpg|thumb| |
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Map of Scout's Rest Ranch Historic Buildings |
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]] |
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Currently the state park is 25 acres and contains 4 original structures. These include the [[Second Empire architecture|Second Empire style]] mansion built in 1886 for the Goodmans. This mansion was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1978.<ref name=":3" /> Other buildings include the cob house, used for storing corncobs that were kindling for the house stoves, and the [[Ice house (building)|ice house]] that were both built in 1886 along with the main house. The property also houses the original barn, built in 1887, used for storing the thoroughbred livestock and famously has “Scout’s Rest Ranch” painted on the roof. |
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| ⚫ | During [[2011 Missouri River Flood|flooding on the Platte River]] in the summer of 2011, the site was closed, exhibits moved and berms were built around the buildings. The flooding came close to the compound but was not as severe as expected.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.omaha.com/article/20110713/NEWS01/707139886#cody-ranch-plans-august-reopening|title=Cody Ranch plans August Reopening|website=Omaha.com|access-date=2016-03-16}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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<references /> |
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{{reflist}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*[http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/parks/guides/parksearch/showpark.asp?Area_No=38 Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park] Nebraska Game and Parks Commission |
*[http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/parks/guides/parksearch/showpark.asp?Area_No=38 Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park] Nebraska Game and Parks Commission |
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{{National Register of Historic Places}} |
{{National Register of Historic Places}} |
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{{Protected areas of Nebraska}} |
{{Protected areas of Nebraska}} |
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[[Category:Houses in Lincoln County, Nebraska]] |
[[Category:Houses in Lincoln County, Nebraska]] |
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__FORCETOC__ |
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__INDEX__ |
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{{Nebraska-NRHP-stub}} |
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{{Nebraska-museum-stub}} |
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Revision as of 02:27, 16 March 2016
Scout's Rest Ranch | |
 | |
  | |
| Nearest city | North Platte, Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Area | 25 acres (10 ha) |
| Built | 1886 |
| Architect | Walsh, Patrick |
| Architectural style | Second Empire |
| NRHP reference No. | 78001705[1] |
| Added to NRHP | January 30, 1978 |
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, also known as Scout's Rest Ranch, is a living history state park located west of North Platte, Nebraska. The original ranch was established in 1878 with an initial purchase of 160 acres just south of the Union Pacific tracks by William (Buffalo Bill) Cody. The 4,000 acre ranch was sold in 1911 and has been under the management of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission since 1964. The 25 acre historic state park (deemed a National Historic Landmark in 1978) is open weekdays from April to October. The house and outbuildings can be toured, including a museum documenting Cody’s life from a Pony Express rider to his Wild West shows.
Founding of the Cody-North Ranch
In 1877 Cody contacted Major Frank North, the leader of the Pawnee Scouts, who was living in Sidney, Nebraska. Cody suggested that he and the North brothers go into the cattle business with him. All parties involved agreed and founded the Cody-North Partnership. North found land along the Dismal River on which cattle could graze and a ranch could be built. This land was 65 miles north of North Platte. While Cody continued touring his “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West” show, North purchased many cattle at the north end of the Texas cattle trail near Ogallala, Nebraska. North also hired cowboys to help operate the ranch while Cody remained on tour.[2]
This ranch grew in size to encompass nearly seven thousand acres. 2,500 acres were planted for alfalfa and 2,500 were corn.[3] The Omaha Bee reported on Cody’s ranching operations frequently. The Bee described this ranch as one of the most improved farms in Nebraska. In cooperation with Isaac Dillon, a neighboring rancher, Cody and Dillon built a 12 mile irrigation ditch, capable of watering 6,000 acres of crops.[4] This property was financially viable for Cody. By the 1880s, however, other homesteaders had begun to move into this area of Nebraska and had taken much grazing land. In 1882 the Cody-North Ranching Operation ended and was bought out by John Bratt.[5]
Founding of Cody Ranch ("Scout's Rest Ranch")
During the time of owning the Cody-North Ranch, Cody grew quite fond of the North Platte area. In 1878, the same time as owning the Cody-North ranch to the north, Cody began buying land surrounding North Platte. The first purchase of land was 160 acres for $750, just south of the Union Pacific tracks that run through North Platte. In the coming years Cody purchased nearly 4,000 more acres adjacent to North Platte.[2] Cody built an eighteen-room mansion on the property which, at the time, was a treeless prairie. From the third floor of the mansion you could see for miles.[6] Cody had land in Kansas that had many tall, established trees and missed that aspect of life on his new ranch. Cody enlisted Al Goodman, his brother-in-law, to discover why trees wouldn’t grow on his new property, and more specifically North Platte. After much experimentation, Goodman discovered the issue of water on the roots and planted many cottonwoods and box-elder around the property, turning the ranch into an oasis of trees on the treeless desert of the Nebraska plains. Goodman told all of the people of North Platte about his discoveries, so that they might have trees as well.[3]
Louisa (Cody’s wife) and their daughters moved to North Platte in February of 1878. They monitored the building of their home on the new farm, where he eventually wanted to retire. Cody loved showcasing his new land and often brought out family, friends, and celebrities. These guests, along with his family, enjoyed spending time with the cowboys employed on the ranch. The ranch developed over the years with the help of the Goodmans, who operated the ranch and managed the high-grade livestock and thoroughbred horses.[2] By 1885, 1,200 acres were planted as corn, 100 acres of alfalfa, 50 of broomcorn, and a small oat field. This ranch was run with 80 horses and 30 men, rising to 60 men in busy seasons.[4] When the trees finally grew the southern portion of the ranch turned into a wooded park with deer, several young buffaloes, and a large lake. This area of land would soon be called “Scout’s Rest Ranch”.[3] Cody was so proud of his ranch that he had the words “Scout’s Rest Ranch” painted on the roof of the large barn, so that it could be read from the Union Pacific tracks nearly a mile away.[2]
This ranch was revolutionary for the time. Cody imported many blooded cattle and thoroughbred horses at a time when that was not common. The land was transformed from treeless prairie to a lightly forested area. Despite many advancements and profitable years, costs became too much to bear and Cody sold the ranch in 1911 for $100,000.
Impact on surrounding areas
Cody spent a large portion of his time, while not touring, at his North Platte residences. During this time, Cody spent a large amount of money on the people of North Platte. He purchased the most expensive uniforms for the town band. Originally, each of the churches in town received $500. Each year Cody paid off the debt of the five churches in town, paid the pastors a living salary, and donated land for cemeteries. Cody also donated land for a fairground and was known to tip heavily throughout town.[2]
Modern History
The original two-story house was built in 1886 for Al and Julia Goodman. Al and Julia Goodman are Cody’s sister and brother-in-law who managed the ranch. This house was built by Patrick Walsh, a native of North Platte, for $3,900. In 1964 the house was renovated and restored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as part of the process for making Scout’s Rest Ranch a State Historical Park, Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park. Since 1964, the State Historical Park has been open to the public.[7]
Park Information
Currently the state park is 25 acres and contains 4 original structures. These include the Second Empire style mansion built in 1886 for the Goodmans. This mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.[7] Other buildings include the cob house, used for storing corncobs that were kindling for the house stoves, and the ice house that were both built in 1886 along with the main house. The property also houses the original barn, built in 1887, used for storing the thoroughbred livestock and famously has “Scout’s Rest Ranch” painted on the roof.
Flood of 2011
During flooding on the Platte River in the summer of 2011, the site was closed, exhibits moved and berms were built around the buildings. The flooding came close to the compound but was not as severe as expected.[8]
References
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
- ^ a b c d e Barnes, Jeff (2014). The Great Plains Guide to Buffalo Bill: Forts, Fights & Other Sites. Stackpole Books. ISBN 0811712931.
- ^ a b c Wetmore, Helen Cody (1899). Last of the Great Scouts: The Life Story of Col. William F. Cody, "Buffalo Bill". Duluth Press Publication Company.
- ^ a b Russell, Don (1960). The Lives and Legends of Buffalo Bill. University of Oklahoma Press.
- ^ McIntosh, Charles Barron (1996). The Nebraska Sand Hills: The Human Landscape. University of Nebraska Press. ISBN 0803231849.
- ^ Hill, William E. (2010). The Pony Express Trail: Yesterday and Today. Caxton Press. ISBN 0870044761.
- ^ a b "National Register of Digital Assets - Scout's Rest Ranch". National Parks Service - National Register of Historic Places. U.S. Department of the Interior. January 30, 1978.
- ^ "Cody Ranch plans August Reopening". Omaha.com. Retrieved 2016-03-16.
External links
- Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
| Topics | |
|---|---|
| Lists by state |
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| Lists by insular areas | |
| Lists by associated state | |
| Other areas | |
| Related | |
- State parks of Nebraska
- Historic house museums in Nebraska
- Houses on the National Register of Historic Places in Nebraska
- Second Empire architecture in Nebraska
- Houses completed in 1886
- Biographical museums in Nebraska
- Museums in Lincoln County, Nebraska
- Protected areas of Lincoln County, Nebraska
- Houses in Lincoln County, Nebraska