P Ranch, Historic ranch in Frenchglen, United States.
P Ranch is a historic property on the west bank of the Donner und Blitzen River within the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Oregon. The grounds contain several buildings from the pioneer era, including a large barn with timber framing and preserved corrals made from willow branches.
A rancher established this property in the 1870s and developed it into a vast cattle operation before his death in 1897. The site remained in use under various owners and eventually became part of the wildlife refuge system.
The ranch takes its name from the "P" brand that Peter French bought from a prospector named Porter in 1872, along with the cattle and grazing rights on Steens Mountain's west slope. French then drained and fenced wetlands along the Donner und Blitzen River to create the pastures.
The site is maintained by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and is best visited during dry weather conditions. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water, as there are limited facilities and shade on the grounds.
The "P" in the ranch name comes from a brand Peter French bought from a prospector named Porter, who had failed to find gold and moved on. French also acquired Porter's small cattle herd and rights to the west slope of Steens Mountain, and the ranch kept the brand as its name.
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