Carson ranch honored for 100 years of operation

The Andersen Home Ranch in Carson City has been recognized for more than 100 years of contribution to the state's history.

Hans Marcus Andersen and Christina Andersen of Denmark established the ranch in Kings Canyon in the 1880s.

Terri McBride, Department of Cultural Affairs historic preservation specialist, said this is the first time the state has given out the awards. The Andersen Home Ranch in Carson City is one of 16 Nevada ranches that will receive the Centennial Ranch and Farms Award at the Nevada State Fair in Reno.

The awards honor Nevada families who've farmed the same property for more than 100 years.

The Andersens have raised cattle on their property since 1887. The operation now has 250 head.

"We decided to do this because we felt Nevada ranching families have contributed a lot to the establishment of communities around the state and to our history," McBride said.

Recipients will get a large metal sign that looks similar to a traffic sign. The brown, blue and yellow signs designate the site as a Nevada centennial ranch or farm and the date it was established.

Other qualifications to receive the award are that the site be a working ranch or farm with 160 acres, or with gross annual sales of at least $1,000.

The owners of the Andersen Home Ranch, who declined to comment for this story, will receive the award 4 p.m. Saturday at Washoe County Fairground's Livestock Pavilion.

Other ranches honored include the Capurro-Durkee Ranch and Calcutta Ranch, both in Washoe County; and the Henningsen Family Ranch, Hussman Land and Livestock and Scossa Ranch, all in Gardnerville.

Contact Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.