The 101 Ranch

by J.A. Pryse

Oklahoma History Center

Fortunately, I was raised by a history fanatic and consummate adventurer. Any given weekend we were exploring in the red and white Dodge Motorhome, stopping for this museum, that cave, this battlefield and even a junk yard now and again. I learned about the Ford Model 'A', the importance of naval ships in the Civil War, vintage airplanes, trains, archaeology, dilapidated buildings that once housed glorious theaters, schools, and the list could go on and on for many pages. I was thrown back into a time that I never lived.  I rode with Jesse James, conducted trains on the "Frisco" Railroad, fought in the Battle of Vicksburg, and watched Wild West Shows.

Having the opportunity to experience history as a child led me to explore history as an adult. Exploring the Oklahoma Research Center's vast catalog of endless discoveries is an adventure on a daily basis. My childlike wonder is fulfilled by walking through time with men and women of Oklahoma.

One of the most fascinating discoveries in my digital adventures is the 101 Ranch. The 101 Ranch is located just on the edge of Ponca City and is 110,000 acres of beautiful Oklahoma land. Though the ranch has significant history in the 'ranching' business it is well known in Oklahoma History for the Wild West Shows that it staged.[1]

The 101 Ranch Wild West Shows featured: Willie M. "Bill" Pickett, Buffalo Bill, Pawnee Bill, Bessie Herberg, Iron Tail (a Oglala Sioux war chief), Apache Warrior Geronimo, Will Rogers, Princess Winona, The Russian Cossack Troop and many more notable performers.[2]

By exploring the Oklahoma History Research Center I experienced the shows as if I were there. Bill Picket showed me how to "Bull Dog" a steer by photographic image. Geronimo shared Bison hunting. I explored the home which has housed an amazing cast of characters and I have walked the land with the Native Americans.

Take the tour with us!  Let your adventurous child take hold for an afternoon.