Cato Soldier Creek Ranch for Sale

OMAHA (DTN) -- The historic Cato Soldier Creek Ranch in Sheridan, Wyoming, is up for sale. Icon Global (https://www.icon.global/…) has the listing of the working ranch, according to a press release.

The 6,440-acre ranch incorporates significant water rights providing outstanding irrigation capacity, with an additional 1,000 acres of adjacent state and private leased ground. The property produces cattle, irrigated hay and other forage crops.

In 1876, the Patrick Brothers reportedly settled the property, and the ranch was homesteaded in 1890, becoming the PK Ranch. The homestead of the ranch was a stagecoach stop along the Bozeman Trail.

Wayland Henry Cato Jr., who was an entrepreneur, philanthropist, rancher and a World War II Navy veteran, purchased the property in 2001. Cato then meticulously restored it to its pristine state.

In 1946, Cato and his father co-founded The Cato Corporation, a women's fashion apparel retail chain based in Charlotte, North Carolina. His leadership yielded great success, resulting in over 1,100 stores in 31 states, stated the press release.

"Throughout his life, Cato remained profoundly reverent of land and open spaces. Eager to fulfill his dream of owning a cattle ranch in the West, in 2001 at age 78, he and his wife, Marion, purchased land near Sheridan, Wyoming. The Catos restored the 1876 historical ranch property, the PK Ranch on Soldier Creek, resulting in what today is a successful and respected black Angus cattle ranch," the release noted.

The property's historical buildings, homes and compound provide tranquil summer retreats for family and friends enjoying the western, recreational and polo lifestyle found in and around Sheridan, according to the listing.

Set within the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, an incredible viewshed takes in the pristine surroundings of over a million acres of the Bighorn National Forest. The ranch is located about 20 minutes from the Sheridan Memorial Hospital, the Sheridan County Airport and the historic Main Street District of shopping, music, museums, the WYO Theatre, restaurants and some of the Mountain West's most legendary watering holes.

Wayland Henry Cato Jr. passed away in November 2023 at the age of 100, according to an article from the Charlotte Observer (https://www.charlotteobserver.com/…). His death occurred several days after his son, Wayland Cato III, died on Oct. 31, 2023, at the age of 75.

Russ Quinn can be reached at Russ.Quinn@dtn.com

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