Vee Bar Ranch Lodge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Vee Bar Ranch Lodge
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 Location in Wyoming
Location in the United States
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| Location | Albany County, at 2087 WY 130, Laramie, Wyoming |
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| Built | 1891 |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001468 |
| Added to NRHP | June 30, 1986 |
The Vee Bar Ranch Lodge is a special place in Wyoming with a long history. It was built way back in 1891! At first, it was the home of a well-known rancher named Lionel C.G. Sartoris.
Later, the ranch became a "dude ranch." This is a fun type of ranch where visitors, sometimes called "dudes," can stay and experience ranch life. The Vee Bar Ranch still operates as a guest ranch today, welcoming people to enjoy its historic buildings and beautiful surroundings.
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A Look Back: The Ranch's Beginning
The story of the Vee Bar Ranch starts with Lionel C.G. Sartoris. He was from England and bought the land in 1890. He was part of a big cattle company. However, his company faced problems and didn't last long.
New Owners and a New Idea
After Sartoris left, Susan J. Fillmore took over the ranch. In 1903, she leased it to Gordon and Myra Wright. The Wright family loved the ranch so much that they bought it in 1911. They even added a second floor to the main lodge building.
The Wrights had a clever idea to help the ranch make more money. In 1912, they started inviting guests to stay. This is how the Vee Bar Ranch became one of the first "dude ranches" in Wyoming! Guests could enjoy horseback riding, fishing, and experiencing life on a real ranch.
What Makes the Ranch Special
The Vee Bar Ranch is located right by a bend in the Little Laramie River. This makes it a very scenic spot. The property has five important historic buildings. These include the main lodge, which was first built in 1901 and then made bigger in 1911. There are also other old ranch structures like the original corral and a stock chute.
A Place in History
Because of its unique history and well-preserved buildings, the Vee Bar Ranch was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This means it's recognized as an important historical site in the United States. It's a great example of what ranch life was like in the old West.
- Photographs of the Vee Bar Ranch at the National Park Service's NRHP database
