For the first time ever offered for sale, the Merritt Ranch Homestead in the Prickly Pear Valley now known as the Helena Valley. This property was homesteaded by Theodore Barstow Merritt (TB Merritt) in 1866, proved up on February 14th, 1877 and a final homestead deed was signed and issued by President Chester Arthur in 1882 (7 years before Montana became a state) and will transfer to the new owner of this almost 23 acre ranch. Many preserved historic elements still exist to recall the Merritts warm hospitality and enduring legacy including part of the original home built when TB and his wife first moved here. Over the years the original Merritt ranch was divided up among children leaving 22.8 acres with the original home and log barn to the late Jay and Sharron Merritt. Over the years this property has provided for 7 generations producing cattle, hogs, grass hay, alfalfa, wheat, barely, potatoes, peas, sugar beets and more.