Mary Ann (Molly) Goodnight facts for kids
| Occupation | Rancher |
|---|---|
| Born | September 12, 1839 Madison County, Tennessee, US |
| Died | April 11, 1926 (aged 86) Armstrong County, Texas, US |
Mary Ann Dyer "Molly" Goodnight (born September 12, 1839 – died April 11, 1926) was an important American cattlewoman. She was married to Charles Goodnight, a very famous rancher in Texas. Molly Goodnight was honored in 1991 when she was added to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.
Molly Goodnight's Early Life
Molly Goodnight was born Mary Ann Dyer on September 12, 1839. Her birthplace was Madison County, Tennessee. In 1854, when she was 14, Molly moved to Belknap, Texas with her parents.
Sadly, her parents passed away soon after. Molly then had to take care of her five younger brothers. Around 1864, she met Charles Goodnight at Fort Belknap. In the 1860s, she worked as a teacher in Weatherford, Texas. Molly married Charles in Hickman, Kentucky, on July 26, 1870.
Ranching Adventures
Molly and Charles first tried ranching in Colorado for seven years. They then decided to move back to Texas. Charles started a business partnership with John George Adair. This partnership helped Charles to co-found the famous JA Ranch.
The JA Ranch was located in Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Panhandle. It was established in 1877. Molly played an important role as Charles's wife and helper. Charles became one of the most famous ranchers on the High Plains.
Beyond her daily chores, Molly did something special. She took it upon herself to rescue baby bison. These young bison were often left behind by hunters. She cared for them and helped create the Goodnight buffalo herd. This herd became very important for saving bison.
In 1887, Molly and Charles moved to Armstrong County, Texas. Molly lived there for the rest of her life. She also helped to establish Goodnight College in 1898.
Later Life and Legacy
Molly Goodnight passed away on April 11, 1926, in Armstrong County. In 1888, the Goodnights built the Goodnight Ranch House. This house is located in Goodnight, Texas.
Today, the house is part of the Charles and Mary Ann (Molly) Goodnight Ranch House. It has been turned into a museum. It helps people learn about Molly and Charles Goodnight.
Charles Goodnight, along with Oliver Loving, also created the Goodnight-Loving Trail. This was a famous cattle drive route in the late 1860s. It was used to move large herds of Texas Longhorns from Texas all the way to Wyoming.
