Tucked away in the rolling countryside of Logan County, Oklahoma, just north of Guthrie, lies a property steeped in American history. Known today as Marshal Ranch, these 160 acres have witnessed the trials, triumphs, and transformation of the American frontier through the lives of two remarkable individuals: Rev. George W. Winn and Deputy U.S. Marshal Chris Madsen.

The Legacy of George W. Winn

Born into slavery in Georgia in 1847, George W. Winn’s early life was marked by hardship. He endured enslavement until emancipation reached Texas in 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. A man of deep faith and resilience, Winn and his wife Carrie raised 12 children and eventually moved to Kansas, where he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. They later settled in Oklahoma in 1880.

In 1896, George W. Winn filed for the very 160 acres now known as the Marshal Ranch. Life was far from easy. The family lived in a dugout, slept on pallets on a dirt floor, and survived on what little they could gather, including daily rabbits delivered by a neighbor’s cat. Yet Winn’s faith never wavered. Over time, his family built a life here, and in 1906, he helped found the Church of God in Guthrie, a congregation that still stands today.

The Arrival of a Frontier Legend

In 1913, the land would welcome another historic figure: Deputy U.S. Marshal Chris Madsen. Born in Denmark in 1851, Madsen survived war in Europe before immigrating to the United States. He joined the U.S. Army and served 15 years on the Western frontier before becoming a deputy marshal under William Grimes.

Madsen quickly earned fame across Indian Territory as one of “The Three Guardsmen of Oklahoma,” alongside Bill Tilghman and Heck Thomas. Together, they brought law and order to a land gripped by outlaws, responsible for capturing or eliminating over 300 desperadoes, including members of the infamous Doolin-Dalton Gang.

Madsen’s career later included roles as a Rough Rider under Teddy Roosevelt, U.S. Marshal for Oklahoma, and even Chief of Police in Oklahoma City. In his final years, he settled peacefully on this land, walking to town daily, reliving a life few could imagine.

A Property Rooted in Purpose

Marshal Ranch isn’t just a tract of land, it’s a living chapter of American history. From the courage of a freedman preacher to the grit of a frontier lawman, these 160 acres have been a sanctuary for survival, family, and faith. With mature timber, spring-fed ponds, and panoramic views, it now offers modern buyers not just a home or hunting retreat, but a chance to own a piece of Oklahoma’s untamed past.

Whether you’re drawn to its rich history, its outdoor beauty, or its enduring spirit, Marshal Ranch stands as a rare opportunity to steward land once held by legends.

Ready to Walk in the Footsteps of Legends?

Opportunities like this don’t come often. Whether you’re looking for a private retreat, a working ranch, or a historic homestead, Marshal Ranch is a one-of-a-kind property that speaks to the soul of Oklahoma.

Contact me today at DillonS@NationalLand.com to schedule your private tour and learn more about the legacy of this incredible property you can call your own!