Beckwith Ranch, Historic ranch district in Westcliffe, United States.
Beckwith Ranch is a historic ranch complex in the Wet Mountain Valley in Colorado with structures from different periods of its operation. The property includes a substantial Victorian house, a bunkhouse, barns, and guest houses that demonstrate how the operation grew and changed over time.
The ranch was established by Elton and Edwin Beckwith, two brothers from Mount Desert Island, Maine, who came to Colorado and built a cattle operation in the Wet Mountain Valley of Custer County. The headquarters grew to eleven buildings, ten of which were listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 20, 1998.
The main house displays Victorian architectural details that show how the property evolved from a simple log structure into a grand residence as the area prospered. Walking through the buildings reveals how ranch families and workers lived in this mountain valley.
Guided visits are available from June through October, and winter access can be arranged with advance notice. Visitors should be prepared for rolling terrain and wear sturdy shoes, as pathways between buildings are not paved.
The property has undergone continuous restoration work by the Friends of Beckwith Ranch organization since 1996. This volunteer group has played a key role in preventing the structures from deteriorating and keeping the ranch's story alive.
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