We consider Montford Johnson to be the greatest cowboy in the history of Oklahoma. He was born along the banks of the Blue River, Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory, in 1843.

At the beginning of the Civil War (1861-1865) local settlers released their cattle into the Arbuckle Mountains north of Ardmore and fled due to fears about oncoming troops. At the end of the war settlers returned and found their cattle too wild for capture.

Montford made them a deal. He agreed to capture their cows, but for a fee. First, he would return all cattle branded to their rightful owner. Second, his fee would be to keep all the unbranded cattle. That was four calf crops.

He drove his newly acquired herd north along the Arbuckle-Shawnee branch of the Chisholm Trail thru east Norman to Kansas markets instantly making his first fortune.

He was instrumental in the formation of several central Oklahoma banks. He expanded his ranch which eventually reached from the Arbuckle Mountains to Norman and west into the Texas panhandle. 

He and his descendants were instrumental in the formation of Norman and the University of Oklahoma.

The "Days Of Montford" began in 2019, but were interrupted due to COVID. They return in 2027 celebrating the lifestyle of Cowboys and Indians and Oklahoma's greatest cowboy, an Indian, Montford Johnson.

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