Six Shooter Ranch has a rich and storied history that dates back to the early days of settlement in the region.
Early Pioneers, Namesake
The story of the Six Shooter begins with Dave Gilliand. Gilliand was the first owner of Six Shooter’s original acreage located north of Waterman encompassing a large meadow at the east base of Bald Mountain.
Gilliand sold to George Potter, a pioneer who migrated to Oregon at the age of 17. Potter worked hard and lived frugally, eventually acquiring the land. His six children matured into fine help for his large herd of hogs.
Six Shooter’s name is derived from an incident that occurred during the early years on the property. Legend has it that the ranch was named for someone finding an old, rusty pistol out in the meadow. This meadow forms the eastern boundary of today’s ranch.
The western border of today’s ranch includes some acreage originally acquired by Leander Lafe Jones. In 1871, 17-year-old Jones boarded a train to Shaniko, Oregon. Like most transplants, Jones saved his sheep herding money and bought 640 acres just east of Mitchell. Jones continued adding to his holdings buying up homesteads and paying back taxes on other properties. The final tally for Lafe’s ranch was 35,000 acres, six bands of sheep (1,200 per band), and a small herd of cattle.
Historic Roadway
The Six Shooter Ranch carries history beyond its owners. The Dalles to Fort Bosier Military Road traveled through a significant portion of the property. The Canyon City Stage Line began in the early 1860s, running three stages a week over the 180-mile road. Henry Wheeler, for whom Wheeler County is named, secured the mail contract in 1864 and was hired by Wells Fargo to carry out shipments of gold. Wheeler operated a four-horse stage between Canyon City and The Dalles for four years, risking life and limb in repeated confrontations with highwaymen and Indians. One such incident happened on Six Shooter Ranch between Peggy Butte and Marshall Butte.
Hudspeth Logging
In the 1950’s, ownership of much of today’s Six Shooter Ranch transitioned to the Hudspeth Sawmill Company. Hudspeth logged the land and built a haul road through the property to a Hudspeth mill at Bridge Creek. As times changed, Hudspeth sold the land to Jack Roden and Fran Cherry. The land changed ownership over time as parcels were bought and sold, eventually combining into the current 38,000-acre parcel now owned by one family.
Preserve and Advance
Today, the Six Shooter Ranch stands as a testament to the perseverance and spirit of the early pioneers who carved out a livelihood from the Oregon wilderness. It remains a working ranch, preserving the traditions and values of its founders while embracing modern advancements. Many original homesteads remain on the ranch, some thoughtfully preserved by its owners.
As the years go by, the Six Shooter Ranch continues to hold a special place in the hearts of locals and transplants, serving as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the pioneers who shaped the American West.
