The American ranch embodies a rich architectural tradition that has been passed down through generations of ranchers. This book presents twenty-five of the most spectacular Western ranches, including important historical structures and those designed for today’s newest ranch owners. With three hundred newly commissioned color photographs of ranches in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, California, Oregon, New Mexico, and Texas, the book will appeal to ranch dwellers as well as homeowners inspired by this rustic and romantic architectural style. The original ranches included property for livestock and structures that were built to withstand the natural forces of a harsh climate. Today, as in the past, life in the West means long winters and a need for shelter that encloses and protects.