The Remains of The Deserted Shirk Ranch is FADING FAST

The Deserted Shirk Ranch was originally homesteaded by the Hill family in the early 1800s. In 1893, David L Shirk purchased the property as a horse ranch. Some of the structures have been dated as far back as 1881, but more structures were added.
Shirk was a well known cattleman who had assisted in the first cattle drive from Texas to Oregon in 1869. His ranch hands were treated like family, eating their evening meals in the main house with his wife and four children.
Upstairs, Shirk built a billiard room so his staff could entertain themselves during the winter months and in the evenings.
The property was sold in 1914, but his daughter leased the ranch with her husband when it went into foreclosure from the new owners and continued to live there until 1945 even though it had become part of the Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge in 1943.
Now a part of the Bureau of Land Management, the property has been vacant since the 1980s.
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[@PinInTheAtlas]

We had an incredible adventure exploring Shirk Ranch! The hidden stories and the graves. We hope you enjoy the video and feel inspired by the remarkable resilience and frontier spirit that shaped this historic land. Share your thoughts and let us know what you find most fascinating about this pin! Remember to check that ALL your notifications are on and that you have subscribed. We post new “pins” EVERY Tuesday &am PST. If you like what we do and would like to support these explores: ✅ Become a Patreon: www.patreon.com/pinintheatlas ✅ Help fuel Tonto: www.paypal.com/paypalme/pinintheatlas ✅ AMAZON WISH LIST: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3FJC5W7Z1C19A/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1 Contact us: [e-mail] Website: pinintheatlas.com/

[@normstephens8354]

Interesting explore and video! 🙂I can tell you ... having retired after a long career with Uncle Sam ... that nothing gets done without dedicated funding. Changes in leadership in an organization will often redirect funds unless they are specifically earmarked to a project by congress, or state legislature. "The technology for round wire nails, like those we use today, apparently started in France in the early 1800s but took some time to dominate the market. In the USA, for example, it was not until the 1890s that more steel wire nails were made than cut nails." I think the round nails were available in the US in the middle 1860s. I think when i comes to square nails for age ... you are looking for hand cut nails vs machine cut nails. Probably not an easy thing to see unless they are laying on the ground!

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Thanks Norm. Yes most of these out of the way places made their own nails.

[@rhondaz356]

What an interesting place that is, with quite the history. Thank you for giving us so much additional information, and background, Andrea and Steven. You said it is 60 miles from the nearest town. The main house must have been lovely. David must have been an absolutely marvelous person to work for. 🤠👏🏻👏🏻

[@PinInTheAtlas]

He does sound like a nice person to work for. A harsh life though. His wife and children sound great too.

[@noahcount7132]

The last time I drove by the Shirk Ranch headquarters it was occupied. It's sad to see it deserted and decaying.

[@PinInTheAtlas]

How long ago was that Noah? Yea it is a shame that it hasn’t been maintained.

[@noahcount7132]

@@PinInTheAtlas That was August 1985. Upon driving north until reaching the ranch headquarters entrance, I turned west and continued at a snail's pace over horrible, unmaintained roads to where I set up camp to hunt antelope.

[@PinInTheAtlas]

@noahcount7132 that was just a few years after they took over. Lots have changed

[@kerryjacobson5465]

Imagine how many trips to town, just to get the supplies to build all that! It would've sucked, if you were half way back to the ranch, and realized you forgot a sack of flour! Awesome tour, you two! Thanks for all you bring us!

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Yes and they would have had to go by buggy. Long, bumpy and dusty!

[@tangie777uk]

Absolutely stunning ranch. Thank you Steve and Andrea

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Pretty impressive eh? Thank you and happy you enjoyed our explore

[@Britcarjunkie]

Hmmmmm... Could also be that shirk had a long standing dispute over the property, with the people that he shot - who could have been the original owners. Or, simply a long dispute with them in general. Back in those days, he didn't have to be the land owner to shoot somebody there, but it was a good idea for it to have been self defense.

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Anything is possible. There’s a lot of contradictory info on line.

[@Tort4Short]

we have horses and dont put shoes on them in the winter. so that might explain it. just a thought

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Oh wow. Didn’t know that. Thanks for sharing and that makes sense.

[@pixelpeter3883]

Ohh, what a nice ranch to explore! And not touched by any spray-paint!!

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Yes it was and no paint anywhere which makes a nice change.

[@chrisblack8390]

Beautiful ranch! Loved the baby hawks. I didn't know sage bushes grew that big. You can't really go by when they said that place was built. My house says 1914 on my taxes but it was built in 1890. I have a picture of it before it was built. Haha. Didn't want to tell the tax people for fear of owing 24 years of back taxes from 1890 to 1914. Haha my neighbor was born in it an she told me about it. Loved the whole video. Thank you

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Thanks Chris. You never know the dates. So much miss information.

[@Freedomquest08]

Eastern, OR has a lot of history. I believe Shirk was one of early land barons of the area. There were tons of very heated disputes between the cattle and sheep ranchers, rumored stories of gunfights, etc. Also, not far east of the Steens (in the Owyhees) were some of the last of the Indian battles. If you're still in the area, check out Jordan Craters, Owyhee Canyon, Silver City, and Three Forks (has a hot spring).

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Thanks for the tip. I’ll pin them for next time we’re in the area. There certainly is a lot of history there.

[@richardbeee]

Wow! Where would Tuesdays be without y'all? Great explore. 👍 A real good job on everything. The tales, the views, the editing, just incredible! Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Ahh thank you Richard. Still learning new techniques. Still have a long way to go. Glad you enjoyed our explore and your support of our adventures. You’re a star 🌟

[@RaymondCoggins-xd2re]

Yup another awesome adventure with my pin and coffee ☕ good morning beautiful lady oh yeah you too Steve

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Well good morning Raymond. Hope you’re enjoying your coffee. Oh Steve says 👋

[@roseapple8786]

Beautiful area in Oregan. So sad that the state didn't keep it up with the repairs. Thank you for sharing and God Bless you and your family. 🥰💯💯💯💯👍👍👍👍👍(🌹🐞🦂🌵)

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Yes it is Rose. On both counts. Glad you enjoyed the ranch. Beautiful place. See you on our next adventure.

[@gaylewilliamson9183]

I wish the people that owns the ranch would fix it up at least keep it from falling apart.It could be beautiful again.The property is beautiful as well as the house.👍❤️

[@PinInTheAtlas]

We do too Gayle, it really is an amazing property and very beautiful. We were certainly struck by it.

[@highdesertbill]

Interesting .............................. Thanks for the story

[@PinInTheAtlas]

You’re welcome Bill. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@RecoveringCarboholic58]

This was a gorgeous home. Would make a beautiful painting. Thank you for sharing this untouched piece of history. ❤

[@PinInTheAtlas]

You’re very welcome Mary. Yes the house must have been wonderful back when David and his family lived there. It had great vibes.

[@Jack-ne8vm]

Another old place 18 miles south of there... Shirk's had neighbors.

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Missed that one!

[@tinadelwiche416]

Most ranch hands didn’t get money. Most just wanted a place to sleep and a meal. Only the greedy wanted pay. Most that came to become ranch hands were outlaws and made good protection for family ranches. But there were those were evil and eventually turned on each other. Only the smart ones wanted to survive,, the stupid ones parishes. Ranchers are self sufficient. That house should be restored. I love old west history. What a treat . Ty😊

[@PinInTheAtlas]

We agree about the house. It was a wonderful place and had a great feeling about it. Very peaceful and happy. One of our favourite places so far to explore.

[@tinadelwiche416]

@@PinInTheAtlas yes most definitely about the house. If u can’t live off the land and provide for yourself or others,, you don’t won’t to live that bad

[@tinadelwiche416]

Everything on earth has been provided for us by our CREATOR. Everything!!! But most people would rather destroy than live it. Not all just the demented and devilish

[@kevinbrennan2004]

In the land of Oz, we have The National Parks, which is nothing more that a bureaucratic institution, that sits around, thinking up dumb ideas, with very little consultation welcomed, by local interest groups.

[@davidensign5172]

Andrea's slip of the tongue - "hard-working dudes" Alter ego in my head replied, 'Yeah, but cut her some slack. After all she's from the other side of the pond. Something probably went sideways in translation.' A western, horse ranch probably had hard-working cowboys, perhaps ranch hands, but not dudes. Dude -- a city-dweller, especially one vacationing on a ranch in the western US. NUFsaid. Just a bit of joshing. 😆 (Kinda like Hot Water Heater.) Yet another great find! Birds, headstone, cesspit, pigs, bunk house, ranch house - A-maz-ING! And, the 2-holer outhouse. Gotta count the holes. (Visited a men's church camp 1 summer - ULTIMATE Loo! 21 holes ranging from small bum to XXL! True story! Can't believe I just now remembered that memorable outhouse.) Really enjoyed your presentation. Thanks for taking me along! Bon Voyage!

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Didn’t know that David. Not really a term we use in England but when we do it’s used as a man or guy. Glad you enjoyed the explore.

[@candymcclure2476]

the anvil was missing too. You found a lot of details about this place! I didn't know any part or Oregon was dessert. Gramma Candy

[@PinInTheAtlas]

There’s a vast area which is classed as high desert. Interesting place though. And the house must have been amazing back in the day.

[@seb3317]

I imagine such stories that happened in that house ! Amazing video guys !

[@debbierowe1940]

I sure do enjoy going along on your adventures. You provide loads of info. About each place you go to. Im more then happy to join in on the info. On the kestrel. Were all on this adventure together. Take care

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Thanks Debbie. Great that you joined us for this explore and hope you continue to enjoy our adventures.

[@brianmarywapshott2593]

So another grave with not enough info as to whom is buried there, there must be countless others and also those without any head stones that would have a story to tell, at least you found a "DUNNY" that was in working order, beautiful big home for it's time and place and well done again. Cheers

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Thank you. Makes you wonder how many graves are out there! And yes a working loo. We would have loved to have seen the house when Shirk owned it. Must have been stunning.

[@dezertraider]

VERY VERY COOL...E ORIGIN IS TRULY AMAZING WITH HISTORY..THANK YOU..HAVE YOU EVER SEEN COYOTE WORKS ON YT?I HAVENT SEEN IN IN SOME TIME BUT KNEW A BIT ABOUT THE AREA.. SAFE TRAVELS..THANK YOU

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Thanks Ralph. No we haven’t. We’ll check it out.

[@philipcollins5440]

Another gr8 job from the history finders😊

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Thanks Philip. Glad you enjoyed our adventure.

[@waynebender8835]

Great find. I don't remember any other Urban Explorers filming the place.

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Thanks Wayne. It’s a great place to explore.

[@waynebender8835]

@@PinInTheAtlas Be safe in Oregon . The state has it share of the strange stories.

[@PinInTheAtlas]

@@waynebender8835 we’ve already left Wayne.

[@waynebender8835]

@@PinInTheAtlas okay. Be safe in your travels.

[@BriankSmith181]

One of the worlds biggest bird houses

[@PinInTheAtlas]

🤣 certainly looks that way Brian.

[@debbierowe1940]

The beautiful bird is a kestrel 😊

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Thank you Debbie!

[@charleyfolkes]

What a Sunny and beautiful day there! Such a bunch of great stories and Andrea laughing guarantees a great video ! This is a great video. Beautiful shot near the end of the birds circling around and the Falcon in the window. ( btw, my maid could have that place rentable in 8 hours fyi )

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Thanks Charley. Best you send your maid round 🤣 it is a wonderful place. Great vibes too.

[@charleyfolkes]

@@PinInTheAtlas We could all use those good vibes! 😊

[@AZRob56]

The small hawks are American Kestrels. The male is the hawk with the gray wings. Interesting video.

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Thanks Rob. Bit rusty on my American birds. Glad you enjoyed the visit. See you on our next adventure. We post new content every Tuesday.

[@AZRob56]

@@PinInTheAtlas Many refer to them as, "Kestrels" or "Sparrow Hawks". They are actually falcons. Thanks for taking me along.

[@PinInTheAtlas]

@@AZRob56 you are more than welcome. Happy you joined us. Lots more exciting explores to come

[@joeya.4849]

What a wonderful bit of history and a great ranch to explore! Also, at 15m08s, the window to the right of the front door looks like there's a woman stood there looking down. But it's just the way the window panes and reflections happen to come together.

[@PinInTheAtlas]

This ranch has such a great feel to it. Would love to have seen it when Shirk owned it. Glad you enjoyed the pin, Joey.

[@lesleyrobbins1137]

Now, that was a picture perfect pin. Absolutely beautiful home. I'll bet there are lots more hidden gems in that area.

[@PinInTheAtlas]

This wasn’t too far from the Glass House video we made

[@brianshersby8979]

Hi Steve and Andrea, what a lovely old house, it must have been wonderful when it was all in good nick. The grass growing through the sand reminds me of the sand dunes at Greatstone on the south Kent coast (UK).

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Love Kent. One of my favourite counties.

[@cndream1]

WOW Awesome place and explore guys.Need to put it on my list. Steve o, you been in the desert too long, time for a haircut

[@PinInTheAtlas]

It is definitely a place to pin. Glad you enjoyed the explore. You need to watch our video on making the topper a home. 😂👍

[@kenp9469]

Magnificent place. You find these places, better than anyone.

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Thank you so much. Lots of research 🧐!

[@summerrain8181]

Glad to see that you are telling us where this old place is located. I don't like to watch when it's a big secret. The other explorers allow the viewers to feel like a part of the place and exploration. Have a great day.

[@PinInTheAtlas]

You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@JudyMackirdy-v7r]

Thanks for a great video .I read an article about this place. 🇨🇦

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Thanks Judy. Glad you enjoyed the explore.

[@MerryDowner]

I really like the house it would be nice if you could reserve it that would be great.

[@PinInTheAtlas]

We agree Merry. It has a wonderful feel to it and so much history.

[@Thecorgially]

Love that it was a horse ranch and that house was elegant for its time.

[@PinInTheAtlas]

This place was absolutely gorgeous!

[@ginameyer8832]

beautiful