Preserving a Legacy, Nurturing the Land
OUR 112-YEAR HISTORY
Preserving a Legacy, Nurturing the Land
The Montana Wyoming Land Company is more than a ranch—it’s a living legacy, woven from the pioneering spirit of the Lucas family and their devotion to the American West. Our story begins in 1899, when Franklin Earl Lucas and his family arrived in Wyoming, swept up in the boom migration spurred by the transcontinental railroad and the promise of opportunity.
Franklin Earl Lucas (1876-1948) – Printer, Rancher, Governor
Franklin Earl Lucas was a man of ink, land, and leadership. Born in Grant City, Missouri, he apprenticed in the printing trade before joining his father, Albert Gallatin Lucas, in Wyoming. Together, they founded Lucas Publishing and the Lazy LU Ranch—a dual legacy of journalism and ranching. For 46 years, Franklin shaped The Buffalo Bulletin into a cornerstone of northern Wyoming’s conservative voice, while his passion for public service led him to the Wyoming House and Senate, the 7th Secretary of State’s office, and ultimately the governorship as Wyoming’s 13th Governor. Even after his political tenure, he returned to the press until retiring in 1946.
In 1912, Franklin expanded the family’s vision with the Arrow Peak Ranch, laying the groundwork for what would become the Montana Wyoming Land Company. His life bridged the written word and the open range, forging a heritage that endures.
Clarence Vance Lucas (1902-1983) – Keeper of the Flame
Clarence Vance Lucas grew up on the Lazy LU Ranch, steeped in the rhythms of ranch life and the hum of the printing press. As editor and publisher of The Buffalo Bulletin, he upheld the family’s commitment to excellence, ensuring their values took root in both media and the land. His stewardship solidified the Lucas connection to this rugged landscape.
The Modern Era – A Lasting Commitment
Today, the Montana Wyoming Land Company spans acres of pristine pasture, a testament to resilience, heritage, and stewardship, under the care and stewardship of the Wyoming Family Trust, and managed by Fidelity Private Equity, Inc. (PTC). Protected by a conservation easement, this land remains a haven for agriculture and outdoor recreation, forever shielded from development.
We invite you to join us in honoring the Lucas family’s story—a tapestry of ranching, storytelling, and an unwavering bond with the land.
managed by FIDELITY PRIVATE EQUITY, INC. – A WYOMING PRIVATE TRUST COMPANY (PTC)
1001 S. Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 510-5000
Montana Wyoming Land Company 