Calf roping was a duty of working cowboys that required catching and restraining calves for branding or medical treatment. Ranch hands took pride in the speed with which they could rope and tie calves. Soon, this work turned to informal contests. Learn more about calf roping. Resources

An early ranch in the Laramie Valley. One of the earliest ranches in the Laramie Valley was the Bath Brothers Ranch, which began in the spring of 1868, when Herman Bath and his immediate and extended family immigrated to the Wyoming Territory from Germany. Today, the Bath Brothers Ranch is 135 years old and still remains in the … Continue reading Early Ranch in the Laramie Valley →

Ranching was a hard and lonely life for the cowboys who rode the range. Wyoming winters can be brutal. Learn more about the history of ranching in Wyoming.  Resources

Nellis Eugene Corthell arrived in Laramie in 1881 from Franklinville, New York. He worked on ranches and studied law in the office of Col. Stephen W. Downey. Corthell was admitted to the bar in 1883. From 1887-1888, Corthell served as the county’s prosecuting attorney at a time when Albany County extended north to the Montana line. … Continue reading Corthell Family Farm →

Livestock branding is a technique for marking livestock so as to identify its owner. Originally, livestock branding only referred to a hot brand for large stock, though the term is now also used to refer to other alternative techniques, such as freeze branding. Learn more about branding livestock. Resources

Branding in a corral involves first roping the cal. In some instances, the corral would have a snubbing post where the calf could be tied while stretched with a rope so the iron could be applied. Following the branding, the calf would be “marked;” i.e. turned into a steer, which produces the local delicacy known as … Continue reading Corral Branding →

The King Brothers Ranch was founded by Francis Stocker King in Albany County in the late 1800s.  King, who emigrated from Great Britain, was eventually joined by his brothers who also joined him in partnership. The King Brothers Ranch was noted for its breeding sheep stock, which was sold internationally. The Brothers’ sheep repeatedly won … Continue reading The King Brothers →

The Wyoming Sheep Business By Samuel Western, www.wyohistory.org “There seems to be no doubt that the vast quality of mutton can be grown here, pound for pound, as cheap as beef; and, if so, then sheep-raising must be profitable if cattle-raising is.” —Silas Reed, surveyor general of Wyoming Territory, from his report for 1871. Sheep … Continue reading The Wyoming Sheep Business →

Branding in a corral involves first roping the cal. In some instances, the corral would have a snubbing post where the calf could be tied while stretched with a rope so the iron could be applied. Following the branding, the calf would be “marked;” i.e. turned into a steer, which produces the local delicacy known as … Continue reading Branding →