Located near Salida, the original part of Hutchinson Ranch was made up of two 160-acre parcels “squatted” on by Joseph S. Hutchinson in 1867. Squatter’s rights were purchased by Hutchinson in 1873. The two original log cabins do not now exist but one hand-hued cabin built in 1867 does exist. The ranch was headquarters for a range cattle operation with several thousand head, called “Hutchinson and Co.,” running cattle on the Arkansas, in South Park, and in the San Luis Valley. Joseph S.

Karl Windler's grandfather, Henry, purchased 800 acres near Brighton from the Union Pacific Railroad in 1884. Henry traveled weekly by horse and wagon to Denver to sell butter, milk, and eggs; these trips lasted from daybreak to late at night. Karl still raises cattle on the homestead.

To improve his wife's ailing health, Oliver Wise moved his family from Wisconsin to Colorado in 1870. They originally settled on 80 acres near Longmont raising crops and opening a blacksmith shop near Erie. His blacksmith shop and feed mill still exist on the property. Today the Wise family raise corn, barley and hay.

The 280 acre Gerry Farm near Greeley was homesteaded by 4 families from 1871-90 and produces corn, alfalfa and livestock. Farm structures built prior to 1900 and still in use include the Von Gohren house, barn, granary and several sheds.

The Butler Ranch near Avondale was acquired in 1882 from Col. William Craig as a major portion of the Vigil-St. Vrain Land Grant. At 82,000 acres, the Butler Ranch may be the largest continually owned and operated in Colorado.

The Brandenburg Ranch near Westcliffe was homesteaded in 1879 by Moritz Brandenburg. The movie "Cat Ballou" staring Lee Marvin and Jane Fonda was partially filmed on this ranch in 1965.

In 1876, Keith Propst's grandparents settled along the South Platte River by the the 1st tree spotted in 65 miles! Their children acquired adjacent property through a tree claim. The Propst's Grove became a popular gathering spot for early residents. Today, this ranch near Merino is called the Bar Three Ranch and raises cattle, corn, hay, beans and wheat.

The Leyner farm near Lafayette was acquired in 1864 by Peter Leyner. Peter's great grandson Albert currently raises hay and cattle on the 165 acre farm.

The Montgomery Homestead near Lafayette was purchased in 1883 from trustees of the Union Pacific Railroad, by Robert Clark Montgomery. The original house, built prior to 1883, was moved on the property from Marshall and is utilized as a storage shed and garage. Among the historic structures are a Japanese school and a Buddhist Church (1929) currently used as a 4-H hall.

160 acres of the 233 acre Zweck Farm near Longmont was given to a volunteer of the Mexican War who traded the land to George Zweck in 1866. His grandson, George, raises alfalfa, corn, angus cattle and dairy cattle and still lives in the original farmhouse built in 1864.