Medora in Billings County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Medora Livery Stable
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 22, 2015
1. Medora Livery Stable Marker
Stables were important in early Medora, serving the primary means of local transportation: horseback and horse-drawn vehicles.
Livery stables offered horses, teams and wagons for hire. These stables were built in conjunction with hotels so guests’ horses would have a place to stay.
Liveries were a study in contradiction. Besides transportation services they also offered hay, grain, coal and wood. They were also a source of stench, noise and vermin.
The Medora Livery Stable, conveniently located for ranchers coming to town on business, was constructed in the early 1900s and it relied on the patronage of guests staying at the Metropolitan Hotel (now the Rough Riders Hotel) located several doors to the east.
With the introduction of the automobile, the livery stable received less use but the Medora Livery Stable hung on until the 1940s.
Liveries often acted as social centers. The livery was nicknamed by locals the Medora Country Club. In addition to dealing cattle, ranchers enjoyed blackjack and five-card stud. Legend says that fortunes were lost and won in the back room of Medora’s Livery Barn.
(Marker Number 19.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 46° 54.89′ N, 103°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Medora Business District (here, next to this marker); De Mores (within shouting distance of this marker); Joe Ferris General Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Tribute to the Civilian Conservation Corps (within shouting distance of this marker); Ralph “Doc” Hubbard (within shouting distance of this marker); Rough Riders Hotel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Bad Lands Cow Boy (about 300 feet away); Cowboys (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Medora.
More about this marker. Photographs of the Medora Livery Stable and patrons playing cards appear on the marker. Also present is an advertisement from The Bad Lands Cow Boy promoting the services at the Medora Livery Stable.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 22, 2015
2. Medora Livery Stable Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 22, 2015
3. Markers in Medora
Two markers can be found at this location. The Medora Livery Stable marker is seen here on the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 345 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 2, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
