Bowring Ranch State Historical Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bowring Ranch State Historical Park |
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 Bowring Ranch State Historical Park
Location in Nebraska
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| Location | Cherry County, Nebraska, United States |
| Nearest town | Merriman, Nebraska |
| Area | 435 acres (176 ha) |
| Elevation | 3,258 ft (993 m) |
| Designation | Nebraska state historical park |
| Established | 1987 |
| Named for | Arthur Bowring |
| Administrator | Nebraska Game and Parks Commission |
| Website | Bowring Ranch State Historical Park |
Bowring Ranch State Historical Park is a special place in Nebraska, USA. It helps us learn about the history of ranching in the Sand Hills area. It also tells the story of Arthur and Eva Bowring, who used to own the ranch. Eva Bowring was very important because she was the first woman from Nebraska to become a U.S. Senator.
This park is located about 3 miles north of Merriman. It is in Cherry County, which is close to the border of South Dakota.
Contents
Discover Bowring Ranch: A Look into History
The Ranch's Beginning
The Bowring Ranch started a long time ago, in 1894. It became a working ranch where cattle were raised.
Meet Arthur and Eva Bowring
Arthur and Eva Bowring had an interesting way of meeting. Eva's car broke down near Arthur's ranch, and he came to help her. They fell in love and got married in 1928.
Both Arthur and Eva were very involved in public service. This means they worked in different government jobs to help their community and state. Even with their busy public lives, they kept the ranch running.
Eva Bowring's Legacy
Arthur Bowring passed away in 1944. After his death, Eva continued to manage the ranch all by herself. She did this until she passed away in 1985.
Eva wanted to make sure the ranch would stay together and not be sold off in pieces. So, she decided to give her ranch to the state of Nebraska. She did this to honor her husband, Arthur. This is why it became a state historical park in 1987.
What You Can See Today
Today, Bowring Ranch is still a working ranch. They raise a type of cattle called Hereford cattle there.
When you visit, you can see the original ranch house. You can also explore the other buildings on the property. There is a large visitor center too. This center has exhibits that tell you all about the lives of Arthur and Eva Bowring. It's a great way to learn about Nebraska's ranching past and the people who shaped it.
