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In the 1800’s ranching, farming, and freight required large numbers of horses. To meet the demand for horses, Charlie, along with his brother John, would capture wild horses while riding out in the open range. These horses were then sold to freight business, ranching, and farming. Some horses were sold to the U. S. Army. The brothers also used their horses for local rodeos.
Land was needed to manage the large inventory of horses. The brothers had two pieces of property. Their homestead land was near Three Forks. A second ranch was purchased near Willow Creek, Montana, in what has become the present day Murray home ranch. In the 1890’s Charlie acquired what is now known as Milligan Canyon Estates. Upon Charlie and John’s death in the 1950’s, the total sum of property was passed to John’s son Melvin Murray. Melvin was a trainman for the Milwaukee Railroad. Along with his wife Violet Jewett of Willow Creek and three children the family operated the ranch. Melvin continued to work for the railroad for some 36 years. He retired a short time before the railroad went into bankruptcy and final liquidation. In the 1970’s Mel and Vi Murray formed a corporation called Murray Ranch Inc. The ranch ownership passed to their children who represent the fourth generation. Mel and Vi Murray made the ranch home until their deaths in 1999 and 2000. |
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Milligan Canyon Estates is located a short distance from Interstate 90. I-90 begins in Boston, MA and ends in Seattle, WA. But in the late 1800’s until the 1930’s, the major road traveling east/west was known to early pioneers as U.S. Highway 10. The road would handle traffic much like today. Freight wagons, stagecoaches, horse buggies, and individuals on horse back. The original route has been merged with modern road systems losing the historic identity. The portion surrounding Milligan Canyon Estates is a small remnant of that pioneer highway system and is now called Cottonwood Lane. |
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| The original owner of Milligan Canyon Estates was a lone cowboy named Charles Murray. His family came to Montana sometime in the 1860’s from Missouri. His parents were Irish immigrants, John and Mary Murray. The family homesteaded outside the small town of Three Forks, Montana where Charlie’s father ranched and operated a freight company. Charlie had a brother John and sister Dora. The family lived in what was called “a one room cabin”. Charlie remained single his entire life. Like their father the sons became ranchers and teamsters. More notably they were “cowboys”. |
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We in the family refer to the property as “The Hills” which was an important part of the family’s ranching operation. While the land is semi-arid the grasses hold excellent feed value for livestock. After the spring rains a day long cattle drive of 100 cows and calves took place. .
Years of trailing the herd developed cows who seemingly knew the destination. Beginning early in the morning at the front gate, the ranch truck horn signaled the start. The cattle would willingly assemble and once the gate opened the older cows lead to the “Hills”. The journey lasted almost all day with a stop for lunch. Horses were sometimes used but mostly just for transportation. A day of sitting in a truck was better than a day in the saddle. Upon arrival at the “hills” the cattle became instantly comfortable and began to settle in for the stay. Satisfied with the rich grass the cattle ate for three weeks gaining valuable weight. However to prevent overgrazing the land, the cattle would be trailed home. So once again when we honked the truck horn at the gate, the cattle would assemble and turn towards home leaving the “Hills” to trail back through Milligan Canyon until next season.
This now leaves Milligan Canyon in the hands of Ellen Crowley, Gregory Murray, and Brent Murray who operate the ranch while working in other careers. Career experience pointed out that the highest and best use of the land would require a new review of Murray Ranch objectives. The owners decided to make a drastic change to the “Hills” to a higher and better use. With much reluctance and emotion it was decided to create Milligan Canyon Estates. The unique location near Interstate 90 and the short distance to many small and large communities offers future residents a quality place to live.
In honor of our great uncle the two roads at Milligan Canyon are named Charlie’s Way and Murray Lane. Now you know the rest of the story. Welcome Home!
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