What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Pitchfork Ranch, a nearly 100,000-acre property in Wyoming, known for its role in the iconic Marlboro Man cigarette advertisements, is on the market for $52.8 million. The ranch, steeped in Western history, was founded in 1878 and has been owned by retired physicians Fran and Lenox Baker since 1999. The property includes eight residences, hay meadows, barns, and over 1,100 irrigated acres. It has been a cultural landmark, embodying the rugged cowboy lifestyle celebrated in Marlboro campaigns.
Why It's Important?
The sale of Pitchfork Ranch represents a rare opportunity to own a significant piece of American cultural and historical heritage. As a symbol of the American West, the ranch's sale could set a record for ranch transactions in Wyoming. It highlights the enduring appeal and value of properties that capture the mythic qualities of the Western frontier. The ranch's legacy, tied to the Marlboro Man campaigns, continues to influence perceptions of the cowboy lifestyle and Western culture.
What's Next?
If sold at the asking price, Pitchfork Ranch would mark one of the most expensive ranch sales in Wyoming history. The Bakers plan to retain a smaller parcel nearby, maintaining a connection to the area. The sale could attract interest from buyers seeking to preserve or capitalize on the ranch's cultural significance. The property's future may involve continued cattle operations, conservation efforts, and potential tourism or media opportunities that leverage its storied past.
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