Historical Marker

Monica Fuentes Gallegos (1851–1909) & Carlota Fuentes Gallegos (1857–1936)

Monica and Carlota Gallegos, widowed sisters, ranched 375,000 acres. Monica operated a general store and saloon and issued scrip in her name. When Black Jack Ketchum raided the ranch in 1890, Monica shot him in the arm. The sisters built a school and, in 1876, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, furnished with large Italian statues. Their vision ensured economic and social stability in Gallegos.