Molly Goodnight

Charles Goodnight lived in Pueblo for seven years, with his wife, Mary Ann, better known as Molly. Without her, bison might have become extinct on the Southern Plains. The modern Western “Lonesome Dove” drew inspiration from rancher Charles Goodnight’s legendary cattle drives. The Goodnight-Loving trail that stretched from Texas helped develop Colorado’s ranching industry in the late 1800s. Charles Goodnight lived in Pueblo for seven years, with his wife, Mary Ann, better known as Molly. Without her, bison might have become extinct on the Southern Plains. She was horrified at hunters’ systematic massacre of bison, which ultimately drove the species to the brink. Molly rescued orphaned calves; sheltered and bottle-fed them herself. The survivors bred and became a foundation population that saved the American bison from extinction. Their offspring, placed in many parts of America ensure the bison remains a living symbol of the American West. All thanks to the compassion and care of Molly Goodnight.

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