Home on the Range

Home on the Range. . If you had been a Texas cattle baron in the 1880s, the endless miles of lush grasslands and open range surrounding Medicine Rocks would have seemed like heaven on earth. , Enormous cattle ranches - running thousands of head each - once dominated the Montana prairie. But during the winter of 1888-1889, deep snow and severe cold decimated herds in the area by up to 90 percent. The barons eventually moved out, but some of the cowboys stayed behind and established their own ranches. They found success by putting up winter feed, allowing cattle to survive the harsh climate. Soon homesteaders moved in and the towns of Baker and Ekalaka sprang up. , Cowboys, sheepherders and settlers all appreciated the beauty and uniqueness of Medicine Rocks. It was popular for picnicking in the spring, summer and fall. In 1957 Medicine Rocks became a state park, protecting it for future generations to enjoy. , Who's Who? , With the range free of fences on the eastern Montana prairie in the late 1880s, how did everyone manage to keep tabs on their livestock" Like today, ranchers used brands to distinguish their horses and cattle from others. , XIT Operating north of Miles City, Montana, the Capital Freehold Land and Investment Company ran cattle wearing this famous brand from 1886-1908. , Hashknife The Continental Land and Cattle Company ran cattle wearing this brand from the southeastern corner of Montana east to the Little Missouri River in the Dakotas from 1880-1889. , Mill Iron A tiny town southeast of Ekalaka, Montana was named after this brand, which was worn by Continental Land and Cattle Company cattle that ranged west to Miles City and north beyond the Yellowstone River from 1880-1894.