Historical Signage Educates Lander Residents About Region’s Sheep Ranching Heritage

In Lander, few residents know about the “driveway”—the historic route where sheep ranchers moved 4,000-5,000 sheep from winter feed grounds up into the mountains each summer—a practice especially important during World War II when wool demand was high. This important piece of local history brought by Basque shepherds since the 1800s is missing from most residents’ experience. When a community volunteer and former Forest Service and school district employee noticed this gap, he had an idea to create signage educating residents about sheep ranching’s historical importance to the nation and local economy. The metal signage will be placed at a trailhead that was part of the original driveway, where residents are sure to see and learn about this significant chapter of Lander’s past. LOR’s funding will help with the design and creating of the signage.

This project is fiscally sponsored by Lander Community Foundation.