Before the popularity of the automobile, people traveled through Wyoming by horseback and covered wagon. Travelers could only cover about 10-15 miles per day, depending on the type of terrain and the condition of the trail or road. The Cunningham Ranch was one of the overnight stops along the road from Jackson to Dubois, a small town to the east across Togwotee Pass from Jackson Hole. There was a bunkhouse with about a half dozen beds and a dining room to feed the overnight guests. We would have no problem in sharing a dinner table, but I'm not sure if I would want to go to sleep in a room with 10 or more others sleeping. What if one of the other travelers was a murderer or robber?
The only building remaining from this ranch is the Cunningham Cabin, the owner's residence, which is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Below, Paul is standing by the front door. Notice how low the roof is. Paul had to duck down to get through the doorway.
Also, notice the gentle slope of the roof so the winter snow could more easily be shoveled off the roof so that the roof would not cave in from the weight of the snow. The cabin consists of only two rooms, one on each side of the door. There are only two windows in the cabin. How does this compare to modern housing? This cabin is still standing nearly 125 years after it was constructed.
These pioneer ranches, providing a place to sleep and meals for travelers, were a forerunner of the modern bed & breakfast inn.
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