In addition to this major stream, the Lodgepole valley has a south branch running northeast from the western line and smaller valleys, many unnamed. Lodgepole valley is generally "level, deep soiled and well watered and in an early day was attractive to the homeseekers. The lands were the first lands to be settled and today are the sites of the oldest ranches and farms. In the early days the stream was wooded along its banks with trees native to this locality, while the bluffs bordering the . valley contained scattering Cedar 'and Pine.

Cheyenne County Weather

No detailed description of climatic conditions in Cheyenne county is necessary. The climate is much the same as in all parts of the western highlands of the state and the middle west, and is admirably adapted to stock-raising and agriculture. It is a very healthful climate.

Early Settlement

Contemporaneous with ami following the

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

building of the Union Pacific, the cattlemen came into the country. All was government and railroad land, and the stockmen came to use the ranges. Originally they described their brands and range, thereby indicating a claim for so many miles of prairie that assured plenty of territory. Ranges seldom overlapped, but the cattle became mixed and the round up instituted. After Gates demonstrated efficacy of barbwire some began to build fences. In 1869 and 1870, cattle were wintered in the country now' comprised in Cheyenne county though the ranges had been used before that time for oxen. For a number of years no taxes were levied against the cattle, no investments in real estate were necessary and the profits were large. Later the cattlemen and ranchers had to pay their taxes to the organized counties adjacent. They had no benefit from them and no enforcement of the laws and in order to accomplish this it was evident that county organization should be established.