Oliver Lee Ranch

(Boles Acres NM)
Oliver Lee was one of those colorful characters of the wild west. During his life he was a Deputy US Marshall, rancher, state Senator, and some say a cattle rustler and gunslinger. He was charged with murder, but acquitted. And, he also played a role in the creation of Otero County and the town of Alamogordo.

Oliver Lee Ranch

His ranch house, near to Dog Canyon, has been restored and tours of it are offered from the Visitor Center of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park. Today, it’s probably in better shape than anytime in his life. However, little else remains of other structures on the ranch. In latter years, his ranch was moved up into the Sacramento Mountains.

Painting of Oliver Lee

Bedroom in ranch house

Each room inside had a corner fireplace. Rooms were furnished with period pieces, and displays of artifacts recovered on the ranch. One room was left with bare adobe walls, and a portion of the subfloor was exposed. Oddly, there was track lighting in each room.

Remains of adobe barn

Garden outside the kitchen

An irrigation ditch was built from Dog Canyon down to his ranch. He had to co-operate with Frenchy whose ranch was at the mouth of the canyon. Some claim that Lee may have been involved in Frenchy’s death due to a dispute over the water rights. (see my post about Frenchy)

Tardis at Oliver Lee camp

I camped at the state park with views of the cliffs at the mouth of Dog Canyon. It was free because of my Annual Camping Pass.

Camp: Oliver Lee Memorial SP-Loop C drycamp
Scene: Restored ranch house, mountains