Circle J Ranch History

 The Circle J Ranch property was formerly the Wigwam Lodge Dude Ranch, a working ranch and homestead.  Over the decades, the property functioned as an apple orchard, a saw mill, a local store and sheep grazing land.  The land was secured from pioneer David Moses.  The Circle J Ranch Chapel construction began in 1901 in the town of Ten Sleep, Wyoming.   A volunteer force completed construction in 1904 and it was dedicated in  January 1905.  It served as the very first church building in Washakie County.  An annex was later added in 1952.   The original structure was moved to its present location at Circle J in 1975.   The chapel underwent significant volunteer-led restoration to preserve it’s legacy in 2015 and 2026.  The chapel continues to be maintained by the Circle J Christian Camp and Retreat Center and is on the Wyoming State Historical Register.  

 Circle J's Ogg Apple Orchard was planted when the ranch was a working  ranch, over 100 years ago.  These old trees can not be reproduced and even with the help of a Master Gardner Specialist from UWY,  the 3-5 types of apples in the Orchard are still a mystery.  The apple orchard to this day helps to sustain Circle J Camp and Retreat Center.