American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming

Uphill and Against the Wind: 
Cattle Ranching in Wyoming

  Introduction to the Exhibit

This exhibit contains materials from an exhibit formerly on display at the University of Wyoming's Centennial Complex Art Museum Gallery from September 21 through December 23, 1996.

  Uphill and Against the Wind: Cattle Ranching in Wyoming

The Wyoming Stock Growers Association officially organized in 1879, but the organization traces its roots to the Wyoming Stock and Wool Association and the Stock Association of Laramie County, Wyoming, which formed in the early 1870s. The cattlemen who organized the WSGA sought to protect their investment. The aims of the organization were to set up a stock detection system to prevent rustling of cattle, to lobby for favorable legislation, to deal with contagious diseases among cattle, and to organize roundups. Through the years it became clear that Wyoming cattle ranchers and the WSGA had other concerns as well. The stock growers have had to deal with price fluctuations, changing public interests and values, and challenges from the weather. Since about half of the land in Wyoming is owned by the federal government, issues such as grazing fees and the multiple use of public lands are always important to Wyoming ranchers. Through leadership on these and other issues, the WSGA has played a significant role in the settlement and development of Wyoming.

  Photographers of Wyoming

C.D. Kirkland, J.E. Stimson, Charles Belden, like many before them, created images of a mythic West that were popular with collectors and promoters. Set against a backdrop of spectacular scenery, their photographs intentionally emphasized the romantic aspects of ranching and western life. Nevertheless, their work provides a valuable historic record of ranching and the changes in the landscape and life in Wyoming.

  Charles Belden (1887-1966)

Belden came to Wyoming to work on the historic Pitchfork Ranch near Meeteetse, Wyoming, after his graduation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1910. Belden loved the scenery and images of ranching, and the 250,000-acre Pitchfork provided many photographic opportunities. Belden became something of a "celebrity cowboy" as his photographs and stories promoting the Pitchfork and its dude ranch were syndicated nationally. Although some of his photographs have an air of contrivance, Belden was a master of detail, and his photographs show the changes taking place in ranching.

  Cowboy and Horse in Water

American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming, P.O. Box 3924, Laramie, WY 82071.  Phone:  307.766.4114,  Fax:  307.766.5511, Email: shelstad@uwyo.edu.  Copyright © University of Wyoming, 1999-2000.  Created on June 23, 1999.  Last modified on November 07, 2000.