Living history at Smoky Valley Ranch with the Martins
The author visits Smoky Valley Ranch to experience a living history of the frontier era. Narration describes the Martins, their 16800 acre property between Oakley and Lake Scott, and reflections on pioneer life, sacrifice, and the contrast with modern comforts. The piece blends personal memory with historical details of Custer, Wild Bill Hickok, buffalo, and settlers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Smoky Valley Ranch
Oakley
Lake Scott
George Custer
Wild Bill Hickok
Living History Farm
Iowa
Smoky Valley
Smoky Valley Ranch preserves Kansas shortgrass heritage
Nature Conservancy Kansas chapter owns Smoky Valley Ranch a 16800 acre property north of Garden City between Oakley and Scott Lake State Park. Randy and Michelle Martin manage cattle grazing from April to October with leases in summer. The Martins recount rich local history including old schoolhouses Afro-American settlements and a once wide river, weaving heritage and conservation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Logan County
Smoky Valley Ranch
Garden City
Oakley
Scott Lake State Park
Wild Bill Hicko
Caverly Baffa
Kansas
Randy Martin
Michelle
Wyoming
Smoky Valley
Grazing Association
Farmers Home Administration
Conservancy
Martin
California
Michelle Martin
Ross
Also Mentioned on This Page
Murphy’s Law
Patrick Murphy
Garden City Telegram
Randy
Morgan
Buck
Smoky Vally Ranch
Nature Conservancy
Douglas
Story BY