The Ranch's colorful history dates back more than one hundred years to February 22, 1884, as the Marion Land Claim.

Joseph H. Marion, the young scout dispatched for help, was the only member of General Custer's expedition who survived the "Last Stand" at the Little Bighorn. In 1881, he married Philena Scott, a relative of General Winfield Scott, and they headed west to Leadville, Colorado. After escaping a gold mine cave-in, Joseph homesteaded this 160 acre spread, receiving the land deed on August 24, 1891.

In 1907, Uncle Joe and Aunt Philena (as their neighbors affectionately called them) moved with their three children, Percy, Clara and Ethel, from the claim shanty into the splendid brick structure that they had built over 16 years. When Joseph passed away in 1927, Philena continued to be active in community endeavors, and Percy took over working the land until 1940.