The Winters Ranch (Rancho Del Sierra)
Washoe County, Washoe County, Nevada
Marker Inscription
The Winters Ranch Rancho Del Sierra. This large Gothic-style structure, completed about 1864, was the ranch home of Theodore and Maggie Winters and their seven children. Originally this area was settled by Mormons, and the ranch was purchased from Mormons by Winters and his brother, from the proceeds of the Comstock. Theodore Winters immediately set out to enlarge his property, and built the present mansion. The ranch, at one time, consisted of around 6,000 acres.Winters raised outstanding race horses. He also had a large dairy operation and raised beef cattle, work horses, and sheep.Theodore Winters was active in politics and was elected as a territorial representative in 1862.
Erected by Nevada Conservancy Association
The Story
Completed around 1864, this large Gothic-style mansion was the home of Theodore and Maggie Winters and their seven children, built with proceeds from the Comstock on land the Winters brothers purchased from earlier Mormon settlers. Theodore expanded the property to some 6,000 acres, breeding outstanding race horses while also running a large dairy and raising cattle, work horses, and sheep. Active in politics, he was elected a territorial representative in 1862.
Why it matters
The Winters Ranch shows how Comstock silver fortunes were turned into landed agricultural empires, shaping the ranching economy and civic life of early Nevada.
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Related people
- · Theodore Winters
- · Maggie Winters
Related events
- · Comstock Lode
Themes & tags
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