In Memory of

Archie E. Hanson, Jr.
1926 - 2016
Mary A. Hanson
1931 - 2022

Archie & Mary Hanson at their home in Cortez, CO

On December 14, 2016, Indian Camp Ranch lost its founder, Archie Hanson. He was 90 years old. His beloved wife, Mary, age 91, passed away quietly in her home with loved ones by her side on November 22, 2022

Archie and Mary moved to Cortez in 1989 to develop our unique community. This effort culminated a career in land development that includes the world famous Hidden Hills near Los Angeles, and Hidden Valley Ranch in Templeton, California, where they also led in the town’s historical restoration. But Indian Camp Ranch was their favorite, and they lived here together for more than 25 years.

Archie will always be remembered as an artist, but not by conventional definition. He saw a lonely prairie, covered in sage brush, piñon, and juniper, and envisioned a beautiful place where families could live amongst, and appreciate, ancient Indian ruins. He artistically cleared appropriate home sites and designed roads that flowed with the natural terrain, all while respecting the archeological significance of the 210 Anasazi (Ancestral Puebloan) sites on this development’s 1200 acres. This is the highest recorded site density in the State of Colorado.

Mary met Archie in the mid-1960s. They were married and combined his family of four children, Lex, Tori, Lisa, and Leila with her three children, Diane, Dawn, and Darren. During their 50-year marriage, they created estates in California including Hidden Valley Ranch, Creston Hills Ranch, and Running Deer Ranch.

They received a brochure from a friend who recommended they visit Crow Canyon Archaeological Center. Mary remarked that this visit would either be incredibly boring or completely intriguing. It turned out to be intriguing and they acquired property to create Indian Camp Ranch. In 1998 Archie completed their home with its unique Hanson Flair and he called it Mary’s Castle. This is where they lived their last years with the grand vista of Mesa Verde, The Sleeping Ute Mountain, and Ship Rock in the background.

Archie and Mary’s premier legacy, Indian Camp Ranch, is the first archaeological subdivision in the United States. It has been featured in many major newspapers, magazines, and other media, including National Geographic, Archaeology, Smithsonian, the History Channel, and the Travel Channel. Indian Camp Ranch is recorded on the National Register of Historic Places.

Archie & Mary Hanson - October 8, 2012