A Growing Ranch

Cattle in the Badlands

Quick Facts

Location:

Elkhorn Ranch Trail

By the spring of 1885, the ranch house was completed, and Sewall and Dow went with Sylvain Farris to Minnesota to meet William Merrifield to purchase more cattle and other supplies for the two ranches. “1000 were for us, 400 for them. Then there were bulls, cows, etc., which brought it up to some over 1500.” The cattle were taken to Medora by way of the train, and Sewall and Dow drove their herd to the Elkhorn Ranch. 

The local newspaper, The Badlands Cowboy, reported the arrival of the addition to Mr. Roosevelt's herd. “1500 head of steers, yearlings and twos came in Thursday morning for the Elkhorn and Chimney Butte ranches of Theodore Roosevelt. They were in fair condition after their long ride, and, except for the disadvantage of a large number being yearlings, give every evidence of growing into good beef.” 

The larger majority are steers a good lot of Shorthorn bulls, and one pulled Angus were in the herd. A thousand of these cattle will be driven to the Elkhorn Ranch, and 500 to the already well stocked chimney Butte Ranch.”  Roosevelt spent little time at the ranch site while Sewall and Dow were building the house, but that changed greatly after the house was completed.