Nestled in the rolling, grass-covered dunes of Nebraska’s Sandhills is one of the most productive cattle-raising regions in the world. But, when ranching first began in this area, many cattlemen thought the land would never support their herds. The vast, shifting sand dunes, with few visible sources of water, seemed inhospitable at best. However, through perseverance and discovery, the Sandhills became the heart of Nebraska’s cattle country. This is the story of how it all began.
The First Ranch
In 1877, E. S. Newman established the first ranch in the Sandhills region, situated about five miles south of the Niobrara River. His initial goal was to sell cattle to the government, which would be delivered to the Pine Ridge Agency, located to the north. At the time, the area was largely unexplored by settlers, and it wasn’t considered suitable for ranching.
The landscape was filled with vast, shifting sand dunes and minimal water sources, which made the region seem nearly impossible to use for raising cattle. Most of Newman’s contemporaries chose to settle on the edge of the Sandhills, hoping to avoid the unpredictable and challenging conditions found deeper within.
The Discovery
It wasn’t until the spring of 1879, after a harsh winter, that Newman and his fellow ranchers were forced to venture into the Sandhills. Winter storms had driven their cattle south of the Niobrara River, and they feared losing their stock. As they made their way into the heart of the Sandhills to round up the cattle, they made a remarkable discovery.
Contrary to their earlier assumptions, they found the cattle had not only survived the storms, but had found shelter within the hills. The grass in the region was lush and plentiful, and there were hidden lakes tucked between the dunes, providing fresh water. The Sandhills were not the barren, desolate land they had once believed. Instead, they were a perfect haven for cattle.
The Transformation of the Sandhills
Since that pivotal discovery, the Sandhills have become one of the most fertile and productive areas for cattle ranching in the world. The land, which had once been dismissed, now boasts a thicker, more stable covering of grass. The rolling country, dotted with sparkling lakes, became an ideal location for raising cattle. Over time, the Sandhills transformed into a global hub for beef production.
Today, Cherry County, located within the Sandhills, is the top beef-producing county in the United States, with nearly 166,000 cows. In fact, half of Nebraska’s 23 million acres of range and pastureland are located in the Sandhills. This once-unwanted stretch of land has become a critical piece of the nation’s agricultural landscape, providing high-quality beef for markets around the world.
The Legacy of the Sandhills
The Sandhills’ success story is a testament to the perseverance and adaptability of the early ranchers who dared to settle in this seemingly inhospitable land. What began as an uncertain venture in 1877 has blossomed into a thriving cattle industry that continues to support Nebraska’s economy today.
The Sandhills’ transformation from a feared, barren land into a productive ranching haven is a reminder that sometimes, what seems impossible can turn into something extraordinary with a bit of vision, courage, and discovery.
As we look back at the beginning of ranching in the Sandhills, it’s clear that this land, once thought unfit for cattle, has become one of the most important regions in the world for beef production. The Sandhills, with their scenic beauty and rich agricultural history, will forever remain a cornerstone of Nebraska’s cattle country.
For those interested in exploring this fascinating piece of history, a marker stands at U.S. 20, just 2.5 miles east of the Cherry-Sheridan west line, 8.5 miles east of Gordon. The marker commemorates the opening of the Sandhills to ranching and serves as a lasting tribute to the region’s profound agricultural legacy.