The American West has always been known for strong women, and the state of Colorado is no exception. From the earliest days of settlement, Colorado women had a love for the land and built their homesteads and ranches. The Homestead Act of 1862 brought thousands west for free land, new beginnings, and a new way of life. For many, it was the dawn of a new dream, and no more so than for the female homesteader. At a time when most women's futures were tied to a husband's prosperity, it was a bold, courageous step for women to step out of the conventional norm. In Ranching Women of Colorado: 17 Legendary Ladies author Linda Wommack tells the stories of these remarkable women who found ways to survive and thrive in the male dominated ranching industry of the 19th century West.