National and State Register

Hutchinson Ranch

Chaffee County

Running more cattle than anyone else in the southern Arkansas River Valley, Joseph S. Hutchinson was one of the fabled cattle kings in early Colorado.  He made major contributions to the livestock industry as a successful cattle rancher.

Black-and-white photo showing the Hutchinson Ranch house prior to restoration.

The Hutchinson Ranch house prior to restoration.

Photo courtesy of the National Register nomination.

The ranch is an excellent representation of the full range of buildings and structures of an operating Colorado cattle ranch during the 19th and 20th centuries.  The Main House, dating to 1873-1874, is possibly the oldest frame dwelling in the area.  Important log buildings include the 1867 granary, Uncle Art’s 1895 cabin and the 1915 saddle house.  In 2005, the original listing was amended to provide additional historical information and to expand the boundaries to incorporate associated pastureland.

The main house at the Hutchinson Ranch and Homestead after restoration funded in part by the State Historical Fund.

Hutchinson Ranch and Homestead.

History Colorado.