40.422528, -104.670056
Built in 1881, the Ogilvy Ditch is the last diversion on the Cache la Poudre River before converging with the South Platte River. It was constructed to bring water for irrigation and livestock to Crow Creek Ranch, east of Greeley, run by Lyulph Ogilvy. Engineered by Edward Baker, one of the original Union colonists who also helped construct the Greeley #2 Ditch, the ditch currently provides water for 33 shareholders of the Ogilvy Irrigating and Land Company.
“Lord” Lyulph Ogilvy was the second son to David Graham Drummond Ogilvy, 10th Earl of Airlie (a Peerage of Scotland), and Henrietta Blanche Stanley Ogilvy. The Earl had many holdings in the western United States, like several members of the British aristocracy, and decided to tour them in 1879 with his son Lyulph and daughter Maude. Lyulph decided to stay in the United States and his father set him up in a cattle ranch on Crow Creek.
Tourism Information
The headgate is located on private property and is not accessible to the public. The ditch itself can be viewed along the south side of E. 8th St. and County Rd 60 1/2.
Accessibility
Private property. Not accessible.
Directions
From Hwy 85 in Greeley, turn east on E. 8th St/Hwy 263. Proceed approximately .4 miles and turn south onto Ash Avenue. The headgate is located on private property of the gravel company located on the east side of the road, and is not accessible to the public. The ditch itself can be viewed along the south side of E. 8th St and County Rd 60 1/2.
