Spring Valley Ranch

Spring Valley Ranch The Spring Valley Ranch began as a campsite in 1878 by the Ricks Brothers. Beginning in 1879, the McCrillis family settled on the site.

The McCrillis Ranch was incorporated on April 12, 1889.

127th Annual Reunion of the Scouts - September 18 - 20 Beecher IslandFriday Evening - September 185:00 pm — Black Powde...
08/30/2026

127th Annual Reunion of the Scouts - September 18 - 20
Beecher Island

Friday Evening - September 18
5:00 pm — Black Powder Shotgun

Saturday - September 19
7:00 am — Breakfast by the Idalia FCE Ladies Club (50 Years of Establishment)
8:30 am — Black Powder Shoot Sign-Up
9:00 am — Black Powder Shoot
9:30 am — Journey Through the Arikaree Breaks Documentary
10:30 am — Buffalo Soldiers
12:00 pm — Lunch Break with Food Trucks Available from 10–2
1:30 pm — Buffalo Soldiers
1:30 pm — Traditional Games (No Turtle Races per New State Law)
3:00 pm — History Speaker Scott Chartier
4:00 pm — BBQ Turn In and Judging
5:00 pm — Free-Will Donation BBQ Supper
7:00 pm. — Free DJ Dance by Special Delivery

All Day Saturday
Blacksmith Demonstration
Smokin' on the Battleground BBQ Competition — Ray Prentice, (970) 630-5839
Roger Scheler Horseshoe Throwing

Sunday - September 20
7:00 am. — Free Pancake Breakfast served by Farm Bureau Federation
9:00 am — 250th Flag Recognition Raising Ceremony by Scott Chartier
9:30 am. — Tomahawk and Knife Throw; Archery to Follow
10:00 am — Church Service provided by Beecher Island Sunday School
12:30 pm — Helping Hands Basket and Quilt Drawing

South Fork of the Republican River: The Bar T Ranch In 1872, our area was located in Arapahoe County and a part of the C...
08/18/2026

South Fork of the Republican River: The Bar T Ranch

In 1872, our area was located in Arapahoe County and a part of the Colorado territory. The former freight hauler Jacob Scherrer, and his partner Samuel Sheppard teamed up to form the Republican Cattle Company. In a short time, the Ireland Brothers bought Shepard’s share with Jacob holding controlling interest.

The ranch headquarters, known as the Bar T, were stationed along the South Fork of the Republican River. The name was derived from their cattle brand, a bar over the letter "T." Due to open range ranching, the Company ran over 7,000 head of cattle.

A cattle operation that large is constantly seeking help. At just 17 years old, Burt Ragan walked from Kansas to the Bar T in early 1886. He had many ambitions and a mere $1.50 to his name.

Since the ranch owned around 6,000 cattle in the 1880s, work was constant. From stringing and repairing 60 miles of barbed wire fence as a line rider to working as a cowpuncher, Ragan learned every aspect of ranch life. Mr. Scherrer recognized the young cowboy as a natural leader and promoted him to foreman by 1889.

During the brutal summer months, Burt commanded up to fifteen cowboys to direct the ranch operations. In the winters, the crew shrank to four, relying on his resourcefulness.

By 1898, the Scherrer family had gained full control of the Bar T. They owned over 2,500 head of cattle and produced more than 1,000 tons of alfalfa annually. Jacob in 26 years transformed the Bar T from a 7000 head open range cattle operation to a thriving enterprise.

Dennie Cody, one of our preeminent photographers, brings his photographic tribute to Kit Carson County to the Burlingto...
08/15/2026

Dennie Cody, one of our preeminent photographers, brings his photographic tribute to Kit Carson County to the Burlington State Armory. Join us August 15th from 9 am – 3 pm to view his work in person, as well as a copy of his photography book, Kit Carson County.

A snippet of "Trails and Rails" presented at AmericaFest. In 1878, the Ricks Brothers built a small log cabin out of nat...
07/03/2026

A snippet of "Trails and Rails" presented at AmericaFest.

In 1878, the Ricks Brothers built a small log cabin out of native cotton wood trees located along Launchman Creek. These men were line riders for the Bar T Ranch, and the first known inhabitants of the Spring Valley.

When the McCrillis family came upon the home owned by the Ricks brothers, Edwin noted the natural springs, flowing water, and abundant hay meadows, making it an ideal setting for ranching.

A deal was struck for the sale of the site with payment in the form of supplies and a team of horses. The McCrillises could begin their stock raising business.

07/01/2026

AmericaFest at Old Town Museum on July 4th. Please join us for historical presentations, gunfights, and can can shows included with your free admission.

06/28/2026

AmericaFest is the a celebration of two milestones, America's 250th and the Colorado's 150th birthdays. Please join us on July 4th!

Address

Burlington, CO
80807

Telephone

+17193468226

Website

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