Kyle Ranch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Kyle Ranch
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Ranch house
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| Location | Losee St. and Carey Ave. North Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
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| Area | 26 acres (11 ha) |
| Built | 1855 |
| Architect | John S. Park |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001107 |
| Added to NRHP | October 6, 1975 |
The Kyle Ranch is a historic place in North Las Vegas, Nevada. It was started by Conrad Kiel in 1875. The ranch is also called "Kiel Ranch" because Conrad Kiel used both spellings for his name and his ranch. Today, the City of North Las Vegas Parks and Recreation Division takes care of it as the "Kiel Ranch Historic Park." You can visit the park now.
Only a few original buildings remain. These include an old adobe building, which is one of the oldest structures in Las Vegas. There's also a small wooden shed called the "Doll House." The Kyle Ranch Cemetery is also still there. The cemetery is currently empty. The remains of the founders' family members are being cared for at UNLV.
The ranch has a special natural spring called an artesian well. It also has a small wetlands area. These natural water sources are why early settlers and travelers came to this spot. The spring provided water, which allowed the ranch to grow fruits and vegetables.
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History of Kyle Ranch
Conrad Kiel first settled on this land in 1875. The property has a natural spring and an artesian well. Kiel started a 240-acre farm where he grew citrus trees, apples, and different vegetables.
Important Events at the Ranch
In 1884, Archibald Stewart, an important early settler, was killed in a gunfight at the ranch. Stewart's wife, Helen J. Stewart, later became a very influential person in Las Vegas.
Part of the ranch was sold in 1903 to William A. Clark. He needed the land to build the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad.
Later Owners and Changes
In 1911, a banker from Las Vegas named John S. Park bought the ranch. He built a large house there, which was known as the White House.
Later owners included Edwin Taylor (from 1924 to 1939). His cowboy ranch hands were famous for competing in rodeos across the country. After him, Edwin and Bette Losee owned the ranch (from 1939 to 1958). They turned it into the Boulderado Guest Ranch. This was a popular place for people who needed to live in Nevada for a while.
Protecting the Ranch's History
A 26-acre (11 ha) part of the original ranch was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
By 1976, the City of North Las Vegas and its Bicentennial Committee bought the remaining 26 acres (11 ha) of the ranch. They wanted to preserve it as a historic project. However, a fire in 1992 destroyed the ranch's main building.
The city later sold off most of the land it bought, keeping only 7 acres (2.8 ha). They sold the rest to build an industrial park. In 2006, there were worries about water from the spring flowing into the industrial park. The city's plan to change the site to move the water faced opposition. At one point, parts of the ranch were used for waste, which could have damaged its historical value. In 2010, the City of North Las Vegas promised to protect the site.
