Osage Nation Buys Ted Turner's Bluestem Ranch

The Osage Nation bought the 43,000-acre Bluestem Ranch from media mogul Ted Turner this week.

The sale of the land makes the Osage Nation one of the largest land owners in the county.  

2/4/2016 Related Story: Osage Nation Buying Back Part Of Historic Homeland From Ted Turner

Principal Chief of the Osage Nation, Geoffrey M. Standing Bear, signed the final paperwork for the purchase in Bartlesville this week.

“We can think of no better learning environment for our children than these lands,” said Standing Bear.

“Land is central to the culture, traditions and history of the Osage people. We intend to keep the majority of the property as a working bison ranch, allowing us to connect our youth to nature.”

Ted Turner noted in a letter to Chief Standing Bear that the Osage Nation was the high bidder and the preferred buyer adding, “It is my sincere hope that our transaction is the last time this land is ever sold and that the Osage Nation owns this land for all future generations.”