The Beckwith Dynasty: A Ranching Empire in Colorado’s Wet Mountain Valley

The Beckwith Ranch in Colorado’s Wet Mountain Valley was created through foresight, grit, determination, and even a bit of cunning. Beginning in 1869, and with no experience in ranching, George Beckwith and his sons Edwin and Elton built one of the largest and most important cattle ranches in southern Colorado. Their iconic Victorian home, envisioned by Elton’s wife, Elsie, remains one of the most photographed houses in Colorado. Yet despite their successes over a span of sixty years, the last of the Wet Mountain Valley Beckwiths died in obscurity and poverty. The Beckwith Dynasty is the story of the family’s rise to power and their downfall, their triumphs and disgraces, and the history they lived through and created.