Spencer Penrose, a mining magnate, tourism developer, and philanthropist, purchased the Turkey Creek Ranch (5EP836) near Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1912. Penrose became a local ranching leader through his raising of purebred Holsteins and exotic sheep at Turkey Creek Ranch. He also kept wild animals, some of which became the basis for his Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Using the services of local high-style architects MacLaren and Thomas, Penrose built an impressive Spanish Revival style residence and numerous outbuildings at the Ranch in 1912-1913. Improvements continued at the Ranch until Penrose's death in 1939. The Turkey Creek Ranch district, which has been determined eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, consists of 8 historically significant buildings and 13 other buildings or structures.