click on photo to enlarge
Well, about twelve years ago the ranch was sold to a guy in California. He very quickly figured out that this place is not easy to get to....and the ranch just sat there for years, empty. No people and no horses. It finally sold last year, and I have yet to see anyone there. So sad...
Those that know me, know that I probably know the history of this land. There was another large house here in the late 1800's and the family was friendly with the Ute Indians. Some men from town came out once and said that the Ute Indians were on a raid, and coming their way and the family should hide. The husband was not there, and the wife said" Chief Ouray will not lay a finger on my family". ....and guess what?.... he didn't. The family only had one child, a son...and he in later life wrote children's books about cowboys and Indians. I own two.
a closer look at the house.
Linking to: Good Fences
It is sad to see something like that sitting empty. What a great story about the Ouray.
ReplyDeleteYour research for historical facts and background is impressive and also fun for us to have these interesting tidbits that you include. What is the name of the author who wrote those books?
ReplyDeleteKate,
DeleteHis name was George Cory Franklin. His family first lived in Del Norte, CO. before his Dad built a large home on this property.
Thanks for the response. I'll google his name now.
DeleteHe certainly wrote lots of books! Are they interesting and well-written or are the potboilers?
DeleteI will plead the fifth here...which in reality answers your question.
DeleteVery interesting reading and of course the fences are applied for Good fences.
ReplyDeleteWow, it's always so hard to understand how anyone can allow a place to just sit idle! I can't imagine even if I were ever the richest person in the world, how I couldn't at least share it with someone in need of a place, and willing to keep it alive and honestly rodent and weed free! It's just odd. Such a lovely place too.
ReplyDeletehate that it has sat empty for so long! hope that will change with the new ownership what a great looking place. thanks for sharing it and its history!
ReplyDeleteIf I owned that place, I would never want to leave it. It is beautiful there!
ReplyDeleteLove you cousin and your stories
ReplyDeleteJaney what an amazing and touching story!
ReplyDeleteAs for the abandoned ranch - that really is so sad! and let's hope the new owners breath life back into it. The backdrop of the house is just beyond stunning. What a stunning area in general you spend your summers. I never tire of seeing your photos.
Enjoy the coming weekend!
Maybe you'll have a movie star as a neighbor! That looks like a beautiful piece of land.
ReplyDeleteFunny that you say that Barb. Years ago it was rumored that a celebrity did look at the place!
DeleteThat house looks beautiful, I hope you will have nice new habitants in it. Much be rich people to buy such a huge estate and maybe. You never know what celebraty will come.....
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful place, and I enjoyed the story about this land. I would have loved to see the field full of horses, it's sad that it's now abandoned.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful place, sad to see it is empty. I enjoyed the history of the place.. I hope someone comes and loves it.. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you for share a story like this. Hope there will be someone that love the house soon.
ReplyDelete