Wyoming Stock Growers Association facts for kids

The Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) is a group of cattle ranchers in Wyoming. It started in 1872 to help organize the cattle industry. This group quickly became very powerful. Some people even called it the "real government" of Wyoming when it was becoming a state. The WSGA had a lot of influence across the Western United States.

The WSGA is still active today. It is well-known for its long history. It is perhaps most famous for its part in the Johnson County War in Wyoming.

How the WSGA Began

When Wyoming was first becoming a territory in 1868, cattle ranchers started talking to the government. They became friends with John A. Campbell, who was the first governor of Wyoming Territory from 1869 to 1875.

In May 1871, Governor Campbell helped create the first group of cattlemen in the area. It was called the Wyoming Stock Grazier's Association, and Campbell became its president.

This first group later ended. But on November 29, 1873, a new group was formed. It was called the Laramie County Stock Association. Many members from the old group joined this new one. This new group became the main part of what we know today as the Wyoming Stock Growers Association.

A Look at the WSGA's History

In the past, the WSGA helped organize cattle roundups. They also planned when cattle would be shipped and kept track of cattle brands. They were very active in stopping cattle theft, especially before the year 1900. The WSGA even hired special detectives to help prevent and stop cattle thieves.

In the late 1800s, as Wyoming was changing from a territory into a state, the WSGA was one of the few big groups that had real power in the region. Members of the WSGA also formed the famous Cheyenne Club. This club was started by young men from wealthy families in the eastern U.S., Britain, and Europe. It became one of the richest and most exclusive places on the frontier. The members not only hosted important people at the club but also helped shape Wyoming's early government and economy.

The WSGA acted almost like a government during those years. It had a big impact on how Wyoming's state government was set up and what laws were made. For example, four members of the WSGA were in the U.S. Congress. Several governors and most state lawmakers were also members of the association. Many of the WSGA's own rules became state laws.

In 1943, when Franklin D. Roosevelt created Jackson Hole National Monument, the WSGA was the first to speak out against it. They called it the "Jackson Hole Seizure." They fought hard to make sure cattle ranchers in Teton County could keep their grazing rights.

The WSGA kept very detailed records, even though some people said they were secretive. They saved almost all their letters and meeting notes. It is believed that over 50,000 letters were saved from the 1870s to the 1930s. Dozens of boxes also hold other records. Most of these records are about organizing the cattle industry, like registering brands and tracking shipments. This shows how important the association was every day, in addition to its political role. These records are now kept at the American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming.

The Johnson County War

Before the Johnson County War, a man named Frank M. Canton left his job as a sheriff to become the WSGA's chief detective. He later led a group of men hired by the WSGA. This event is known as the Johnson County War.

The WSGA Today

The WSGA says its three main goals today are:

• Speaking up for issues that affect the cattle industry, Wyoming farming, and life in rural communities.
• Giving members up-to-date information about what's happening in the cattle industry and what the association is doing.
• Showing how the Wyoming cattle industry helps take care of natural resources, looks after animals, and produces good quality beef.

The association currently has a small full-time staff and eight executive officers. To become a voting member of the WSGA, you must raise either cattle, horses, mules, or sheep.

Well-Known Members

• M. V. Boughton, the first president and 7th Mayor of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
• Robert Mills Grant, a former state representative from Platte County who helped create laws about cattle branding in Wyoming.
• Clifford Hansen, president of the association from 1953 to 1955. He later became Wyoming governor and a U.S. senator.
• Ray Hunkins, a lawyer and rancher from Wheatland. He was a Republican candidate for governor in 2006.
• Mary Mead, a rancher from Jackson and the Republican candidate for governor in 1990.