An Official Legacy Project of the Arizona Centennial
Photography by Scott T. Baxter 

In fall 2004, Scott T. Baxter began documenting 100 ranchers whose families have been ranching in Arizona since 1912 or earlier. Since spring 2011, 100 Years 100 Ranchers has been shown throughout Arizona from Terminal Four at Sky Harbor to Wickenburg’s Desert Caballeros Western Art Museum and the Tucson Museum of Art.

Excerpt from Baxter’s Artist Statement
Ranchers love what they do, and cherish the land and tradition that has been passed down to them through their families. The intense, difficult work involved in running a ranch has led some children to choose not to stay on and pursue
this lifestyle.

My goal is to recognize these families that have struggled to survive and persevere in these difficult times. As ranches are lost to developers and poor economic conditions, I hope to be able to preserve, with this project, an integral part of Arizona’s traditions.

The choice of black and white large format film is simple. I believe that a monochromatic study can effectively bring to life the spirit of this unique group of Arizonans. Working in large format allows me to slow down the process and engage my subjects in a more personal, less detached manner.