Where was Lucas McCain's ranch on The Rifleman?

Lucas McCain's ranch was situated approximately three miles outside the fictitious town of North Fork, New Mexico Territory.

The Location of the McCain Ranch

In the classic television series The Rifleman, Lucas McCain, a homesteader turned rancher, established his home and livelihood in the rugged American West. His ranch was a central setting for the show's narrative, representing a new beginning for him and his son, Mark.

Key details about the ranch's location include:

• Proximity to North Fork: The ranch was located "about three miles" from the main town of North Fork. This strategic distance allowed for both the solitude of ranch life and convenient access to town for supplies, social interaction, and the inevitable conflicts that arose.
• Fictional Setting: North Fork, and by extension Lucas McCain's ranch, were part of the fictional landscape of the New Mexico Territory. This allowed the show's creators creative freedom in crafting stories set within a realistic yet pliable historical context.
• Establishment: Lucas McCain purchased the ranch in the pilot episode, marking a significant turning point after he and Mark had traveled from Enid, Oklahoma. They had settled in North Fork following the tragic death of Lucas's wife, Margaret.

Ranch Details at a Glance

For a quick overview of the McCain ranch's setting:

The setting of the ranch, just outside a frontier town, perfectly encapsulated the themes of independence, resilience, and the challenges of life on the American frontier, which were central to The Rifleman's enduring appeal.