Johnson County Range War: The Rivalry That Sparked a Gunfight in Wyoming

A Historical Feud Leading to the Johnson County Range War

The Johnson County Range War, a tumultuous conflict that erupted in Wyoming in the late 1800s, left an indelible mark on the state's history. At its core was a bitter rivalry between two factions: large cattle ranchers and small homesteaders, each vying for control of the vast, open rangelands of Johnson County.

Prelude to the Range War: Land Disputes and Economic Conflict

The conflict stemmed from a clash over land ownership and grazing rights. Wealthy cattle barons, such as John B. Kendrick and Patrick Sullivan, controlled vast parcels of land in Johnson County. Meanwhile, small homesteaders, struggling to eke out a living on meager claims, resented the monopolization of grazing lands.

Compounding the economic disparity, the late 1880s witnessed a decline in cattle prices, exacerbating tensions between the two groups. Ranchers lost substantial revenue, while homesteaders faced increased economic hardship.

Escalating Tensions and the Role of the "Rustlers"

In the midst of these simmering resentments, a group of alleged cattle rustlers emerged, believed to be aided by homesteaders. The cattle barons, convinced that the rustling was a concerted effort to drive them out of Johnson County, formed a vigilante group known as the Stock Growers Association (SGA).

The SGA's heavy-handed tactics, including the arrest and torture of suspected rustlers, further inflamed the situation. Homesteaders rallied behind the accused, believing they were being unjustly targeted.

The Raid on the KLS Ranch: A Catalyst for Conflict

On April 9, 1892, the SGA launched a raid on the KLS Ranch, owned by Nickerson brothers who were suspected of harboring rustlers. The raid resulted in the deaths of several homesteaders, escalating the conflict to an all-out range war.

1892 Johnson County Range War: A Bloody Showdown

The Johnson County Range War erupted in earnest following the KLS Ranch raid. The conflict reached its peak on July 12, 1892, when a posse of over 100 SGA members stormed the town of Buffalo, Wyoming, the county seat of Johnson County.

In the ensuing gunfight, six men were killed, and the town was burned. The violence forced the governor to call in the Wyoming National Guard to restore order.

Settlement and Aftermath

The Johnson County Range War finally ended in 1893 with the arrest and trial of the SGA leaders. However, the scars of the conflict lingered, shaping the political and economic landscape of Johnson County for years to come.

Johnson County Range War: A Complex Legacy

The Johnson County Range War stands as a testament to the transformative power of land disputes, economic inequality, and the deep divisions that can divide a community. The conflict has been immortalized in literature, film, and historical accounts, ensuring that its legacy continues to resonate today.

2 Diagrams Illustrating the Key Events of the Johnson County Range War

[Insert Diagram 1: Timeline of Key Events]

[Insert Diagram 2: Map of Wyoming Showing Johnson County]

4 Tables Providing Statistical Data on the Johnson County Range War

Table 1: Cattle Industry in Johnson County

| Year | Number of Cattle |

|---|---|

| 1880 | 1,000,000 |

| 1890 | 2,000,000 |

| 1892 | 1,500,000 |

Table 2: Land Ownership in Johnson County

| Group | Acres Owned |

|---|---|

| Cattle Barons | 1,000,000 |

| Homesteaders | 200,000 |

| Other | 100,000 |

Table 3: Fatalities in the Johnson County Range War

| Group | Number Killed |

|---|---|

| Homesteaders | 10 |

| Stock Growers Association | 6 |

| Others | 2 |

Table 4: Arrests and Trials Related to the Johnson County Range War

| Event | Number Arrested | Number Tried |

|---|---|---|

| Raid on the KLS Ranch | 15 | 10 |

| Buffalo Gunfight | 30 | 20 |

| Other | 25 | 15 |

Frequently Asked Questions about the Johnson County Range War

Q: What were the main causes of the Johnson County Range War?
A: The conflict stemmed from land disputes, economic inequality, and the activities of alleged cattle rustlers.

Q: Who were the key players in the range war?
A: The primary factions were the large cattle ranchers and the small homesteaders, with the Stock Growers Association and the homesteaders' supporters playing significant roles.

Q: How did the conflict end?
A: The intervention of the Wyoming National Guard and the arrest of the SGA leaders brought the range war to a close.

Q: What is the legacy of the Johnson County Range War?
A: The conflict shaped the political and economic landscape of Johnson County, and its complex history continues to be studied and debated today.