Kaycee & The Nolan Ranch-KC Brand
The first homesteader was John Nolan whose ranch settled along the Powder River. The brand he used was KC. During the Cattleman’s Invasion of 1892, the Nolan Ranch was the scene of one of the most cowardly and brutal murders in the history of the West. On April 10, 1892, the “Cattlemen”, along with Tom Horn, burned Nolan’s ranch house and murdered Nate Champion and Nick Ray, who were leasing the ranch from Nolan at the time. This was the prelude to the Johnson County Cattle Wars, which was part of a plot to scare the smaller ranchers into leaving Wyoming. To this day, this lawlessness has gone by without due punishment. About 20 miles west of town is the Outlaw Cave Recreation Area. It contains a public campground, a Native American rock shelter with pictographs, and the famous “Outlaw Cave.” The infamous “Hole-in-the-Wall” Country and Outlaw Cave are where legendary outlaws Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, the Wild Bunch, Jesse James and the Hole-in-the-Wall gang all hid out. The scenery varies from rolling rangeland to red rock buttes to steep canyons – and the view is always spectacular.
Located about 22 miles west of Kaycee is the Dull Knife Battle Field. In 1876, Chief of the Northern Cheyenne, Dull Knife (sometimes called Morning Star) reluctantly led his people in the fight alongside Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull at their victorious battle at Little Bighorn against Col. George Armstrong Custer. During the winter after Little Bighorn, Dull Knife and his people camped along the headwaters of the Powder River in Wyoming, where they fell victim to the U.S. Army’s winter campaign for revenge. On Nov. 25, 1876, the Fourth Cavalry under General Ranald S. Mackenzie raided a Cheyenne winter encampment. It was the last great frontier battle – and Chief Dull Knife’s fight for freedom. Visitors still find spent rifle shells from the battle.
In more modern times, Kaycee is known for producing great cowboys and country singers. Former world champion bareback rider turned country singer, Chris LeDoux, was arguably the best of the bunch. After his stellar rodeo career, LeDoux decided to throw everything into a music career. His search for a full-time touring band that could help to create his new musical vision produced a unique group of talented musicians, which he named WESTERN UNDERGROUND. Succeeding his death in March 2005, the LeDoux family and the community of Kaycee commemorated the Chris LeDoux Park, and the “Good Ride Cowboy” bronze statue crafted by Johnson County sculptor D. Michael Thomas.
With plenty of recreational activities, seasonal events, and a great school district, Kaycee has something to offer people of all ages! We have a Family Clinic, Public Health Nurse, Senior Housing, City Park, County Park and Arena, Chris LeDoux Park, City Hall, Fire Station, Museum and Ambulance. Our school system uses the Leadership Governance system, which allows them to focus on student achievement. The Johnson County School District #1 serves over 1,200 students.
Home is where the heart is and we’re sure you will love living in Kaycee!
Education
Kaycee School (K-12)
http://www.jcsd1.us/schools/kaycee-school/
Utilities & Service
Powder River Energy Corporation
Telephone 1-800-442-3630
www.precorp.coop
Montana Dakota Utilities
Natural Gas
2324 Dry Ranch Road, Sheridan
307-673-3122
www.montana-dakota.com
Health Care
Family Clinic (2 days a week)
Public Health Nurse (once a week)
Ambulance Service/911
Massage Therapist
Community Facilities
Senior Center
Child Care Centers
Library
Fairgrounds
Parks 3
Tennis Courts
Baseball Fields
Soccer Fields
Museum -Hoofprints of the Past Museum
Recycle Center
Visitor Center
City Hall/Police
Fire Station/EMT
Area Recreation -Hole in the Wall; Outlaw Cave; Cross country ski trails; snowmobile trails; Lake DeSmet; boating; hunting; fishing; camping; hiking; mountain trail horseback riding; Bighorn Mountains; Healy Reservoir
Churches
First Southern Baptist Chapel
244 Ritter Ave, Kaycee, WY 82639
Phone:(307) 738-2311
Grace Mission Baptist Church
226 Nolan Ave, Kaycee, WY 82639
Phone:(307) 738-2366
All Souls’ Episcopal Church
232 Park Ave, Kaycee, WY 82639
Phone:(307) 738-2362
Kaycee Cowboy Community Church
201 Center St, Kaycee, WY 82639