Miller Brothers 101 Ranch facts for kids
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101 Ranch Historic District
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| Nearest city | Ponca City, Oklahoma |
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| Area | 82.6 acres (33.4 ha) |
| Built | 1892 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001560 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 29, 1973 |
| Designated NHLD | May 15, 1975 |
The Miller Brothers 101 Ranch was a giant cattle ranch in what was then called the Indian Territory of Oklahoma. It was located near the city of Ponca City. Colonel George Washington Miller, a former soldier, started the ranch in 1893.
The 101 Ranch was famous for two big things. First, it was where the exciting 101 Ranch Wild West Show began. Second, it was a key spot during the early oil rush in Oklahoma. At the time, it was the largest and most diverse farm and ranch in all of America. Important historical sites like Bill Pickett's grave are on the ranch land. Today, most of the original ranch buildings are gone. However, an 82-acre (33 ha) part of the ranch is a special National Historic Landmark. In 2003, the ranch was honored in the Texas Trail of Fame.
After Colonel George Miller passed away in 1903, his three sons, Joseph, George Jr., and Zack, took over the huge 110,000 acres (45,000 ha) ranch. By 1932, the Miller family owned most of this land. They also leased land from Native American tribes like the Ponca, Pawnee, and Otoe in several Oklahoma counties. The ranch stayed in the Miller family for nearly 60 years.
Contents
The Amazing 101 Ranch Story
The Wild West Show Begins!
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The Millers' neighbor, Major Gordon W. Lillie, also known as Pawnee Bill, inspired them. He encouraged the Millers to create their own Wild West Show. The Millers first performed for a national audience in 1907. This big show took place at the Jamestown Exposition in Virginia.
Later in 1907, the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch Wild West Show started its tour. Their first stop was in Brighton Beach, New York. Joe Miller, the oldest son, was an amazing horse rider and a main star. Many famous performers joined the show over the years. These included Lillian Smith, Bill Pickett, Bessie Herberg, Bee Ho Gray, Tom Mix, Jack Hoxie, Mexican Joe, Ross Hettan, and even an older Buffalo Bill.
The Miller brothers started their Wild West Show business a bit late. They faced money problems, just like other shows, after movies became popular. Their show had more difficulties than most. In their first year, they had a serious train accident. Later, some of their performers got sick with typhoid fever.
In 1908, Buffalo Bill and Pawnee Bill combined their shows. This huge show broke records in New York City. At the same time, the Miller Brothers took their show overseas. In England, the British military took many of the 101's horses, wagons, and cars. They needed them to prepare for World War I, as tensions were growing.
When the Millers' show toured Germany, some of their Oglala Sioux performers were arrested. They were thought to be spies and were never seen again. Zack Miller quickly managed to get the rest of the cast out of Germany. They traveled through Norway to England. In London, it was hard to find a ship to take them home. Finally, they found passage on an American ship. Once back in Oklahoma, Joe Miller refused to pay the Native American cast extra money. Because of this, the entire Native American cast left the show.
By 1916, the two younger Miller brothers stopped trying to work with their oldest brother, Joe. George Jr. and Zack focused on the ranch. Joe, however, kept trying to make the Wild West Show a success. Joe Miller hired an older and sick Buffalo Bill to star in a World War I recruitment show. It was called the "Pageant of Preparedness." Soon, Cody left the show and passed away within a year. Joe still didn't want the show to end, so he kept it going on a smaller scale. In 1927, Joe tried to sell his show, but he was not successful.
Oil Discovery and the Ranch's End
In 1908, the Millers made a deal with E. W. Marland. He started the 101 Ranch Oil Company. Oil was found in 1911 at a well called "Willie-Cries-for-War." Marland became very rich and later a U.S. congressman. He was even elected the governor of Oklahoma. The oil discovery in 1911 led to the creation of the Marland Oil Company. This company later changed its name to Continental Oil Company, and then ConocoPhillips.
On October 21, 1927, a neighbor found Joe Miller dead in the 101 Ranch garage. His car was running. The family doctor said his death was an accident. In 1929, George Miller, Jr., also died in a car accident.
Zack Miller tried to keep the ranch going by himself. But in 1932, during the Great Depression, he had to declare bankruptcy. The U.S. government took the show's remaining items. They also bought 8,000 acres (3,200 ha) of the 101 Ranch land. The 101 Ranch show closed for good after the New York World's Fair in 1939. Zack Miller passed away from cancer in 1952.
A National Historic Landmark
A small part of the ranch property was named a National Historic Landmark in 1975.
After Zack Miller's bankruptcy, the government divided the remaining ranch lands. They sold pieces of land to different people. The main 101 Ranch house and most other buildings were torn down. The 101 Ranch store stayed standing until September 22, 1987. It burned down in a fire, and the cause is still unknown. Very few of the 101 Ranch buildings are left today. In 1990, Oklahoma named State Highway 156 the 101 Ranch Memorial Road. There is a historical marker on the highway about 13 miles (21 km) southwest of Ponca City.
Images for kids
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Little of the former 101 Ranch estate remains today. Nearly all of the buildings were destroyed and the land subdivided and sold after the Miller Brothers' final bankruptcy. This photo shows the 101 Ranch as it existed with ranchhouse, corrals, and out-buildings.
