On Saturday, Sept. 14, Trail End State Historic Site in Sheridan welcomed a large crowd for Kendrick Cattle Company Day, a community celebration of the historic Kendrick Ranches once owned by Senator John B. Kendrick.
Historic ranches come alive
Visitors wandered among exhibits that showcased original ranch equipment, a restored chuck wagon and period photographs. A slideshow projected rare images and home movies taken by the Kendrick family in the 1920s and 1930s, offering a vivid glimpse of daily life on the sprawling Wyoming cattle operations.
“We are so fortunate to have this media and now we can share it with the public,” said Site Superintendent Shari Shada, who helped bring the event to life. “It’s a chance for Sheridan residents and tourists alike to connect with a pivotal chapter of our state’s agricultural heritage.”
Live music and family fun
While the band tuned up for a folk‑style set that echoed the rhythms of early ranch work songs, families enjoyed a picnic atmosphere with food vendors, children’s activities, and opportunities to ask knowledgeable volunteers about the Kendrick legacy.
The event also featured a display of original ranch ledger books, illustrating the scale of cattle operations that helped shape Wyoming’s economy in the early 1900s. Attendees learned how the Kendrick family balanced ranching with public service, as John B. Kendrick later served as U.S. Senator and Governor of Wyoming.
Community involvement
Local historical societies, the Sheridan Chamber of Commerce and the Wyoming State Historical Society partnered to organize the day, underscoring the community’s commitment to preserving regional history. Volunteers dressed in period‑appropriate attire, guiding guests through the exhibits and answering questions about ranching techniques, land stewardship and the role of faith‑based families in frontier life.
“Events like this remind us of the values that built our state—hard work, family, and a deep respect for God’s creation,” said a longtime Sheridan resident who attended with her grandchildren.
Looking ahead
Trail End’s staff hopes the success of Kendrick Cattle Company Day will inspire future heritage celebrations, encouraging younger generations to appreciate the agricultural roots that continue to support Wyoming’s economy. The site plans additional programming throughout the year, including workshops on historic preservation and guided tours of the mansion’s original rooms.
For those who missed the event, Trail End State Historic Site will keep the slideshow and many of the photographs on display through the end of October, offering another chance to experience the Kendrick ranch legacy.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
