Site of Cator Buffalo Camp

James Hamilton Cator was born in 1852 near Fintra, Ireland, the son of a British naval captain, and came to Kansas in 1871 with his brother Bob to farm. Hide hunting paid better. Between July 1 and September 1, 1873, the brothers killed nearly 7,000 buffalo, and his Big 50 Sharps rifle, credited with 16,000 in three years, is at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon. When the herds were gone in 1877, the Cators bought cattle from the LX Ranch. James was elected Hansford County's first county judge in 1889 and organized its first bank in 1907.

What the plaque says

Established by James H. and Bob Cator in the spring of 1872 while hunting buffalo in the fall of 1875. The camp became a trading post known as Zulu. 1936

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Site of Old Zulu Stockade — 1.7 mi
• Old Farwell — 8.5 mi
• Lindberghs Land at Spearman — 13 mi
• Drift Fence — 14 mi