Ryan Ranch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Ryan Ranch
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 Location in Wyoming
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| Nearest city | Saratoga, Wyoming |
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| Area | 150 acres (61 ha) |
| Built | 1874 |
| Architectural style | Log Cabin style |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002823 |
| Added to NRHP | March 29, 1978 |
The Ryan Ranch is a very old and large ranch in Carbon County, Wyoming. It covers about 2,000 acres (around 800 hectares) and sits on the east bank of the North Platte River. You can find it about 8 miles (13 km) south of Saratoga.
This ranch is one of the oldest in the Platte Valley area of central Wyoming. It was started by a man named Barton T. Ryan in 1874. Later, his son, Cecil A. Ryan, helped the ranch grow even bigger. The main part of the ranch has 17 buildings. These buildings are set up around a barnyard. The very first building, the homestead, was built in 1875. Other buildings include places for storage, workshops, cabins for guests, barns, and even old trailers.
Who Was Barton T. Ryan?
Barton T. Ryan was born in Brookville, Indiana, in 1838. He grew up in Burlington, Iowa. When he was older, he joined the Army and fought in the American Civil War. He even led a group of cavalry soldiers for three years! During his time in the Army, he worked with General Alfred Sully in battles against the Sioux people.
After leaving the Army, Barton Ryan worked at a sawmill near a place called Fort Reno. When Fort Reno was closed in 1868, he moved his sawmill equipment to Fort Steele, which was also on the North Platte River.
Starting the Ranch
In 1870, Barton Ryan went back to Burlington to marry Mary Law Ridding. They returned to Fort Steele that same year. By 1874, they had built their home and started the Ryan Ranch. Barton Ryan teamed up with John W. Hugus. Together, they raised a huge number of cattle, sometimes as many as 7,000! Barton also kept running his sawmills.
Barton Ryan was also involved in local government. He served as the Carbon County Attorney in 1872. He was the County Assessor in 1874 and a County Commissioner in 1878. He was also a member of the Rawlins and Saratoga Masonic lodges, which are community groups.
A Historic Place
The Ryan Ranch is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 29, 1978. This means it's a special place that is protected because of its history. Only the main headquarters part of the ranch is included in this historic area. This section covers about 150 acres (61 hectares) of the entire ranch.
