In 1869, Frank Kennicott and his brother came west to Colorado because of tuberculosis. Their uncle the naturalist, Robert Kennicott told them of a wonderful high unspoiled valley in southern Colorado so they headed for the Wet Mountain Valley where they took up 160 acres. Both brothers improved in health, bought cattle and started a draying business. Over the years, Frank added to his holdings and the Kennicott Ranch in Westcliffe is now 3000 acres.