101 Ranch HQ Riverside Camp Monument Hill Cowboy Hill Bliss Bar L Ranch Ponca City
Monument Hill Before the White man the plains Indians roamed far and wide. Hunting parties might meet along the way but more often would not see each other. They traveled similar trails following the buffalo. Communications between groups was accomplished by establishing a common drop for messages. Scattered across the country side on the high places the people erected a pile of stones. On and around these markers a feather, a stick, or a drawing in the dirt would carry a message recognizible only to the travelers. The Oklahoma Historical Society took notice of the markers and in 1926 asked the Miller brother to rebuild the one on their ranch because of its historical significates. The Millers had been great friends of the Ponca Indians and especially Chief White Eagle the ancestral leader of the Ponca. In typical 101 Ranch Wild West Show fashion, the Millers with much fanfair and ceremony erected a 15 foot tall karin. Several of the Chief's children and close friends attended. A Ponca holy man officated while the press looked on and took pictures. A local family donated and helped place a white painted concrete eagle on the top of the pillar. Some years later in 1932 the body of the great rodeo star and originator of "bulldoggin" was layed to rest at the foot of the White Eagle Monunment. Bill Pickett was reported to have said long before his death "bury me in the hard ground amoung friends.". He refered to this place as Signal Hill. Today most people simply call it Monument Hill. Monument Hill is just a mile north of Marland, Oklahoma and nine miles south of Ponca City. It has been inaccessable for years yet vandalizm has occurred. The picture at the right shows the present day condition of the pillar and grave stone. The commemorative plaque on the pillar was long ago removed. Souvenir hunters have chipped away at Bill Pickets grave stone. The 101 Ranch Old Timers are now making an efforts to protect Monument Hill and Bill Pickett's grave from further destruction. At the same time they wish to make the site more accessible to the public. Plans call for a rest stop on HWY 156 some 400 feet west of the monument with a walkway leading up near the grave and pillar. Several others are buried on the noll. The Kaw tribe has offered the use of a side scan ground radar to locate the others and mark them. Monument Hill is both historical and holy ground worthy of protection. If you would like to help contact the 101 Ranch Old Timers.