Rankin Ranch facts for kids
|
Rankin Ranch
|
|
 Rankin Ranch
Location in Montana
Rankin Ranch
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 2 1/2 mi. NE of the Helena-Diamond City Rd., north of Townsend, Montana |
|---|---|
| Area | 90 acres (36 ha) |
| Built | 1923 |
| Architect | Flouree, Dan |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001119 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | May 11, 1976 |
| Designated NHL | May 11, 1976 |
The Rankin Ranch is a special historic place in Montana. It is located near Townsend in Broadwater County, Montana. This ranch was the summer home of Jeannette Rankin for many years.
Jeannette Rankin (1880-1973) was a very important person in American history. In 1916, she became the first woman ever elected to the United States House of Representatives. This was a huge step for women's rights! She believed strongly in pacifism, which means she was against war. She also worked hard for women's rights and other social changes.
She served in Congress again from 1941 to 1943. During this time, she was the only member of Congress to vote against declaring war against Japan in 1941. Because of her important role, a part of the ranch was named a National Historic Landmark in 1976. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
What is the Rankin Ranch Like?
The Rankin Ranch is found on the edge of the Big Belt Mountains. It sits between Montana Highway 284 and the Helena National Forest. The ranch covers a very large area, about 14,000 acres (57 km2). Most of this land is open prairie, which is like a big grassy field.
The Main Ranch House
The main house at the ranch is a simple, one-story building. It is made of wood with a type of siding called clapboard. The front of the house has a porch that is set back a bit. This porch is supported by posts made of fieldstone, which are natural rocks. Many trees surround the ranch buildings.
Who Lived at the Rankin Ranch?
The ranch house was likely built in 1923 by a person named Dan Flouree. In that same year, Jeannette Rankin's brother, Wellington Rankin, bought the first part of the ranch. It was about 2,000-acre (810 ha) at that time.
Jeannette Rankin's Summer Home
The Rankin Ranch became Jeannette Rankin's regular summer home. She lived there from 1923 until 1956. This was the place where she spent most of her time during her years of political influence.
Jeannette Rankin's Achievements
Jeannette Rankin made history when she was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1916. She was the very first woman to join Congress. She was a strong supporter of peace and was against the United States joining both World War I and World War II. In 1941, after the Attack on Pearl Harbor, she was the only person in Congress to vote against going to war. She also worked hard to help women get the right to vote, which is called women's suffrage.
In 1976, about 90 acres (36 ha) of the land around the main house was named a National Historic Landmark. This was done to honor Jeannette Rankin and her important work in history.
