The Watson Ranch - Kearney, NE
Posted by: 
cldisme
N 40° 41.962 W 099° 09.789
14T E 486216 N 4505397
The Watson Ranch became known as the 1733 Ranch once it was discovered it was 1,733 miles away from both San Francisco and Boston.
Waymark Code: WM9419
Location: Nebraska, United States
Date Posted: 06/25/2010
Views: 13
Despite the historical significance of successfully introducing alfalfa to this part of Nebraska, the Watson Ranch gained considerable popularity due to its location. In 1917, the Watson Ranch was renamed to the 1733 Ranch due to its unique location of being 1,733 miles west of Boston and 1,733 miles east of San Francisco. Although now gone, Nebraska Historical Marker #178 has been erected to this highlight this unique and historical site.
The historical marker reads as follows:
THE WATSON RANCH
In 1888, H. D. Watson established the historic Watson Ranch, at one time containing 8,000 acres, reaching from the fertile Platte Valley on the south to the rolling hills on the north and from downtown Kearney to a point five miles west.
During its existence, the ranching operations were devoted to grains, poultry, vegetables, and a 250-acre fruit orchard primarily of cherry, plum, and apple trees. Watson planted thousands of other trees of numerous varieties.
Resembling a huge experiment station, the ranch included such crops as wheat, rye, barley, corn, potatoes, sugar beets, squash, and asparagus. In the 1890's, Watson introduced alfalfa into the Platte Valley. In part to demonstrate the value of alfalfa as a feed, Watson constructed a dairy barn in 1900. Standing 650 feet northwest of this sign, it measured 500 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 56 feet high. Attached to an immense silo, it contained stanchions for 400 cows, huge hay lofts, and wagon and machinery storage.
Because it was located 1,733 miles from both Boston and San Francisco, it later became known as the "1733 Ranch," and the huge barn remained a landmark until it was torn down in 1935.
Marker Name: The Watson Ranch
City: no
Roadside: yes
Other: no
Web Address if available:: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
Post Pictures:
1. Close up of historical marker
2. Picture of surrounding area (would prefer to have the marker in the picture also). Thanks!