Ranch location was particularly important and the setting of the Cowan Ranch west of Calgary on the Dog Pound Creek demonstrates the most important of the desired attributes. The ranch is situated in a sheltered position close to water. Bottom lands also provided much desired hay acreage. The lack of snow cover, even though the creek is frozen over, speaks for the general attractiveness of the foothill country to the rancher.
It did not escape the early rancher that whomever controlled or owned the river and stream bottoms also controlled the bench lands above. Thus, the initial contest between rancher and homesteader occurred in these locales.
Courtesy: Provincial Museum and Archives of Alberta, H. Pollard Collection
