Trail End
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Cattle Baron Mansion — Magnificent 1913 Flemish Revival mansion built by cattle baron John B. Kendrick — Wyoming’s “Biltmore” with original furnishings
Trail End State Historic Site is a magnificent 13,700-square-foot Flemish Revival mansion built by cattle baron John B. Kendrick in 1913 in Sheridan — often called Wyoming’s “Biltmore.” Kendrick arrived in Wyoming as a penniless Texas orphan in 1879 and became one of the most powerful men in the state — serving as both Governor (1915–1917) and US Senator (1917–1933). His story embodies the American Dream of the cattle frontier. The mansion features original furnishings, stained glass, and a 3rd-floor ballroom. Sheridan sits at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Sheridan, WY (Bighorn Mountains!) |
| Entry Fee | $4 resident / $6 non-resident |
| Size | 13,700 sqft — Wyoming’s Biltmore! |
| Baron | Penniless orphan → Governor + Senator! |
About Trail End
Trail End State Historic Site in Sheridan preserves the 1913 Flemish Revival mansion of cattle baron John B. Kendrick — who rose from Texas trail drive cowboy to Wyoming governor to U.S. Senator. The 13,748-square-foot mansion, built at the end of the great cattle trails, represents the transition from open-range ranching to established wealth. Sheridan sits at the base of the Big Horn Mountains — some of Wyoming’s most spectacular scenery.
Things to Do
Touring the opulent 13,748-square-foot mansion, viewing the original furnishings and artwork, exploring the grounds, and driving the Big Horn Mountain scenic loop from Sheridan.
Insider Tips
Cattle baron mansion: Trail End is a 13,748-square-foot Flemish Revival mansion built by cattle baron John B. Kendrick — who rose from cowboy to US Senator. Pro tip: Kendrick’s story embodies the American Dream — an orphan who worked as a cowboy, married a rancher’s daughter, and became one of Wyoming’s most powerful men. Sheridan: The town of Sheridan sits at the base of the Bighorn Mountains — one of Wyoming’s most scenic settings.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Full mansion tours. Fall: Bighorn Mountain foliage. Year-round: Museum open. Spring: Garden blooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cattle industry in Wyoming?
Wyoming’s open-range cattle era (1870s-1890s) created enormous wealth — millions of cattle grazed free on public land. Cattle barons built empires, but the brutal winter of 1886-87 killed 50-90% of herds. The Johnson County War (1892) — where cattlemen hired gunmen to attack small ranchers — exposed the industry’s dark side. Wyoming’s ranching industry survived but never regained its open-range glory.
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