Ponderosa Ranch According to the Andersons, tourists would regularly show up at their gates asking where the Ponderosa was. Smelling opportunity, the Andersons contacted NBC and "Bonanza" creator-producer David Dortort. They proposed turning their small ranch into a theme park. NBC, Dortort, and the cast saw the tie-in as a "bonanza" for everyone. All parties being of one accord, the cast agreed to promos being shot at the ranch site and the Virginia City set - including the nearby Silver Dollar Saloon - for financial consideration. The ads stimulated revenue for the park. The park opened to the public in 1968, complete
Bonanza, Colorado Bonanza, Colorado The Town of Bonanza is a Statutory Town located in Saguache County, Colorado, United States. Formerly known as Bonanza City, Bonanza is a largely abandoned former silver mining town. "Bonanza" is a Spanish language word meaning prosperity. The town population was 16 at the 2010 United States Census, ranking Bonanza as the second least populous municipality in the State of Colorado. The Villa Grove Post Office (ZIP Code 81155) now serves Bonanza. In 1880, Tom Cooke of Salida, Colorado stumbled upon ore deposits while searching for horses. Prospectors flocked to this location and the town of Bonanza was