Kaycee in Johnson County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)

Ranching on the Powder River

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 16, 2015

1. Ranching on the Powder River Marker

Inscription. From the top of the Big Horn Mountains on the west to the Pumpkin Buttes on the east, this area evolved with grazing animals, from bison and other wildlife hunted by nomadic Indians, to the vast herds of cattle brought in by foreign investors in the late 1800's. Foreign investors and their free grazing of the range ended as the homesteaders arrived. Lured by the American dream of owning land these homesteaders started new lives, learning to live in harmony with the land, becoming the original environmentalists. The Johnson County Cattle War in 1889 (sic) was the culmination of the clash between the homesteaders and the free grazing cattle baron.
With irrigation and range management these new citizens of the Powder River country made the valley bloom. Irrigation, stock water development, and predator management enabled the ranchers of this region to have sustainable cattle and sheep operations, resulting in a dramatic increase in the diversity and numbers of wildlife in this once treeless environment. This additional water and forage created many recreation and natural resource opportunities.
This is a major sheep

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and cattle producing area with many hard working and independent families continuing to make a sustainable living by providing good stewardship of the land. This sustainable life style protects our open spaces.

Erected by Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture.

Location. 43° 43.091′ N, 106° 38.535′ W. Marker is in Kaycee, Wyoming, in Johnson County. It can be reached from Mayoworth Road (State Highway 191) near Interstate 25. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 Mayoworth Road, Kaycee WY 82639, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Powder River Basin.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Dull Knife Battle (here, next to this marker); Powder River Country (a few steps from this marker); Chris Lee LeDoux (approx.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 16, 2015

2. Ranching on the Powder River Marker

This marker is second from the right.

0.6 miles away); Nate Champion and Nick Rae (approx. 0.8 miles away).

More about this marker. This marker is located at the Kaycee Rest Area west of Interstate 25 exit 254.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 470 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 14, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.