Phillips County Museum News for Wednesday, October 11, 2023

In the spring of 1927, it was estimated that between five and ten thousand horses were running loose in Phillips County. In an effort to improve the grazing for the cattle and sheep industry, the county commissioners created a horse round-up district of about 1600 square miles running from the eastern edge of the county to Bowdoin, down to the Missouri River, and west to the Blaine County line. Jake Myers was in charge of the round-up in western Phillips County while Hugh Simanton was in charge of the eastern section. The roundups started on April 12 and continued intermittently until November 1. Many horses were rounded up. Ownership of some was established and those were let loose. Horses were taken to the stockyards at Dodson and Malta.

Various farmers and ranchers claimed their horses at the stockyards before the unclaimed ones were shipped to eastern markets.

Visit the Phillips County Museum to see the Western Room and bunkhouse. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.