Luppold Ranch Commemorates Centennial Milestone

The Luppold/Buckingham Ranch is one of the longest standing ranch operations within the bounds of not only Meagher County, but Montana on the whole. The ranch has been in the possession of the same family for 150 years. On the Montana Historical Society register, only one ranch in the state is older. This is a ranch located near Virginia City: the Thexton Ranch. This historical ranch is only older than the Luppold operation by around a year. The Luppold Ranch was first possessed by William Luppold in 1873. Previously Luppold had served in the Civil War and had survived several gunshots and other battle wounds. After fighting in the war, Mr. Luppold made his way to Diamond City, where he tried his hand at mining for nine years before moving on to purchase land near the Smith River to become a Meagher County rancher. Mr. Luppold married Kate Kunath the same year that he bought the property. Kate, unfortunately, died two years later. William never remarried, and his sister, Seraphina, moved to the ranch to assist her brother not long after Kate’s death. William Luppold began by raising hay, oats, and select garden plants. He soon broadened his production to include cattle by purchasing a herd out of Gallatin County. The ranch still stands as a cattle operation that raises their own hay in the summers. William Luppold died in 1916 and Serephina Luppold passed away in 1918. Through lots of hardship and setbacks, the Luppold Ranch is still standing after being handed down through many generations of family. The ranch is currently owned and operated by Megan Shroyer and her husband, Roger. The Luppold Ranch rang in their historic milestone by hosting a celebration in the beginning of July at the ranch. Several friends and relatives of the ranch family came to the event to help honor the ranch’s anniversary. The family ranch was added to the Centennial Farm and Ranch register. In addition, to commemorate the historic achievement, the family received a certificate from Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and a sign to put on one of the roads leading up to the ranch.