Near Studley in Sheridan County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Windmill and Water Cistern

Cottonwood Ranch State Historic Site

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2017

1. Windmill and Water Cistern Marker

Inscription. A determined and innovative horticulturalist, Fent established an orchard and vineyard just south of the present highway. He grew apples, apricots, cherries, currants, grapes, and a variety of vegetables. Irrigation for the crops came from this cistern, which was built after 1900 and also supplied water for the lawn. Until 1972 the house received its water from a nearby spring. This windmill resembles the one used to pump water into the cistern.

When choosing a location for their home, the Pratts took into account the availability of water — for themselves, their livestock, and their crops. There were 21 live springs and deep pools within a half-mile radius of Cottonwood Ranch.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.

Location. 39° 21.294′ N, 100° 10.359′ W. Marker is near Studley, Kansas, in Sheridan County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 24 east of Road 140E, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located on the Cottonwood Ranch State Historic Site grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14432 East US Highway 24, Hoxie KS 67740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Pratt Family (a few steps from this marker); Stained Glass Windows (a few steps

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from this marker); Washhouse and Yard Fence (a few steps from this marker); Pratt Home & Cottonwood Ranch (within shouting distance of this marker); Yorkshire Ranching on the High Plains (within shouting distance of this marker); Working and Living Spaces (within shouting distance of this marker); The Story of the Stones (within shouting distance of this marker); East Shed (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Studley.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Cottonwood Ranch State Historic Site

Also see . . .
1. Cottonwood Ranch (Wikipedia). The ranch was built by Abraham Pratt, an Englishman who first came to the United States during the years of the Colorado Gold Rush. After returning to England, he immigrated to Kansas with his sons John Fenton and Tom. (Submitted on September 14, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Cottonwood Ranch. In the late 1800s a natural spring northwest of the house was modified to carry water into a storage cistern from which

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2017

2. Windmill and Water Cistern Marker

a pipeline was constructed to provide running water in the house. (Submitted on September 14, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2017

3. Windmill and Water Cistern Marker

Cottonwood Ranch image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2017

4. Cottonwood Ranch

(looking north from US Highway 24 • cistern & windmill are just beyond frame to right)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 254 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 14, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.