“Wyoming’s ranches and farms contain some of the state’s most interesting architecture. Economically, Wyoming’s agriculture has seen a range of extremes – from the hand-to-mouth survival of homesteaders living in dugouts to the courtly lifestyle of British “cattle barons” – with many levels in between. This has created widely varied architectural resources. As a preservationist, I always arrive at a ranch or farm with a sense of expectancy – a sense that there may be a barn, homestead cabin, or residence unlike any other structure in the state.” (2)

Most dude ranches were fully operating ranches before the change. The old structures reflect the previous use on the ranch before guests were the main critters found there. The agricultural architecture on most dude ranches gave way to utility. Most of the buildings served a purpose that helped the ranch operate. Buildings usually consisted of bunk houses, barns, and cabins. Some of the other structures include chutes, corrals and pens for livestock. Nonetheless, all were used to facilitate ranch operation. For guests at dude ranches the buildings and structures added to the scenery and the spectacular views of the west.

“Wyoming ranches and farms were not built around a standard formula or typical layout. Generally, farms and ranches within the United States followed a European farmstead model of detached buildings grouped around a yard. Architecturally, the determining factors included the settler’s ethnic background, topography, availability of water, and the individual needs of the agricultural unit. The buildings that a rancher or farmer needed depended on the types of crops and livestock he raised his location, his irrigation needs, and the lay of the land.” (3)

Figure 2: Agricultural Architecture (4)

Above we see the world famous ‘Mormon Row Barn’ located in Teton County and, as you can see, the Grand Teton in the background. Most of the structures in this particular area were constructed by farmers that traveled to the area from the east. This particular area “Mormon Row” got its name from the large number of Mormon families that settled in this area. The Mormons of “Mormon Row” were one of the few people in the area that had perfected a technique for irrigating the land and therefore they flourished there.

Dude ranchers in the area used agricultural architecture brought to the area by settlers and farmers. Many of the ranchers in the area shared architectural and building knowledge as well as shared the task of construction. Many of these buildings which primarily served for ranch operation are now part of some of the best dude ranches in the country.

**Images Courtesy of the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming

(1)Figure 1: Hansen Barns, Teton County: Architecture in the Cowboy State, Starr, Eileen F., 1992.
(2)Starr, Eileen F. Architecture in the Cowboy State 1849-1940, Chapter 5- Historic Themes, p.66-67, 1992.
(3) Starr, Eileen F. Architecture in the Cowboy State 1849-1940, Chapter 5- Historic Themes, p.67-68, 1992.
(4)Figure 2: Agricultural Architecture, http://www.pollackphoto.com/us/rockies/grandteton.htm

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