Trail End Historic Site

Sheridan Wyoming is a (not so) small town with a big western heritage just on the eastern edge of the Bighorn National Forest, and home to the historic Trail End house. Trail End was the home of John Benjamin and Eula Kendrick and has an interesting story to go with it that we learned from the lovely lady managing the property. John Hendrick was born in Texas and orphaned at a young age. He grew up poor and took on various ranching jobs. When his workmates would go out to the local pub on payday, John would buy another book from the local bookstore and do some reading. This apparently paid off over time, as he moved to southern Montana and eventually bought a ranch which over time became the Kendrick Cattle Company. Later John got into politics and became the Wyoming governor and then a United States Senator. So why the name “Trail End”? It was John’s way of saying that I have made it and showing his pride in his rags to riches life venture.

So let’s talk about this magnificent house, which was construction in 1908 and finished in 1913. It was said to be one of the first professionally landscaped houses in the area, and the grounds are beautiful with a gorgeous bluff view. The inside of the ~14,000 square foot three story (plus basement) house is amazing with all of its ornate wood features throughout. On the main level a grand entryway leads to a formal living area, library and formal dining room. The kitchen is in its original form, as is the rest of the house, with a large butlers pantry, ice boxes and vintage appliances. The second floor is where the family bedrooms and guest quarters are. The third floor opens up into a huge ballroom and is also where the maids, cooks and housekeepers quarters are. Throughout the house are all kinds of hidden cabinets and beautiful woodwork.

What makes the house so special, other than the great rags to riches story behind it, is the magnificent craftsmanship and even with all its ornate features it still feels very homey. Trail End is available for self-guided tours daily and they charge a nominal entrance fee. Spend some time walking around the house and exploring all the rooms but also enjoy the outdoor gardens and walkways.