You know, many of the historical buildings in the park used to be thriving ranches. They were started by brave men and women who came west to pursue their dreams.

To give you a little background, the U. S. government passed the Homestead Act in the middle of the American Civil War. This allowed citizens to claim 160 acres of surveyed government land. The only requirements were that homesteaders had to live on the land full time and they had to cultivate and care for it. Then, after just five years, the land would belong to them. 

For young, idealistic Americans, this was a golden opportunity. The ground here in Wyoming was fertile, the wildlife was plentiful, and the mountain views, they were spectacular. So people moved here with the hope of a new start. But uh, how does that old saying go?

"All that glitters is not gold."

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