Powder River Country

Powder River Country extends in every direction from this point. Twelve thousand years ago, its rich grassland and abundant wildlife attracted Native American hunters into the area. As the United States expanded, commerce and conflict occurred. The Portugese Houses, east of Kaycee, were part of the fur trade industry during the early nineteenth century. The establishment of the Bozeman Trail in 1863 brought on warfare between some of the tribes and the United States Army, ending with the expulsion of the Native Americans from the area in 1877. Historic sites like Fort Reno and Crazy Woman Battlefield reflect this struggle. During the last two decades of the nineteenth century, disputes between open range ranchers and homesteaders resulted in many confrontations, ending with the 1892 Johnson County War fights at KC and TA ranches. Today, ranching exists alongside minerals and recreation industries, and careful stewardship is needed to care for and maintain the land.

Kaycee, Wyoming · United States