Cottonwood Ranch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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John Fenton Pratt Ranch
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Front of the ranch house
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 Location in Kansas
Location in the United States
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| Location | Valley Township, Sheridan County, Kansas, US |
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| Nearest city | Morland, Kansas |
| Architect | John Fenton Pratt |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000442 |
| Added to NRHP | April 28, 1983 |
The Cottonwood Ranch is a special old place near Studley in Sheridan County, Kansas, United States. It is now a Kansas State Historic Site. This means it is protected so people can learn about its history.
Contents
The Story of Cottonwood Ranch
The Cottonwood Ranch tells the story of early settlers in Kansas. It shows how families built homes and lived on the open prairie. This ranch is a great example of how people adapted to new lands.
The Pratt Family's Journey
The ranch was built by a man named Abraham Pratt. He came from England. Abraham first visited the United States during the Colorado Gold Rush. After going back to England, he decided to move to Kansas for good. He came with his sons, John Fenton and Tom. They settled near Studley, ready to start a new life.
Building a Home on the Prairie
In 1885, the Pratt family began building their first home. It was a one-room house made of stone. The roof was made of sod, which is like grass and dirt. The floor was just dirt.
Making Improvements
The first house was not strong enough for the cold winters. So, the family changed the roof to wood. They also made the house bigger over the years. This shows how settlers had to work hard to make their homes comfortable.
Life at the Ranch
The Pratt family built other important structures at the ranch. They had a stable made of sod for their animals. There was also a corral with sod walls to keep animals safe. A small wooden building served as an outhouse.
Water for the Ranch
Water was very important on the prairie. The family built a storage cistern. This cistern collected water from a natural spring on their land. It helped them have water for daily needs.
A Historic Landmark
In 1983, the Cottonwood Ranch was recognized as a very important place. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This official name for the ranch is the John Fenton Pratt Ranch. Being on this list helps protect the ranch for future generations. It ensures that its history can be shared with everyone.
