 Initially residing in Cleveland, Ohio, he moved to Denver, Colorado in 1876 and built the Western Live Stock Company under a partnership agreement and established a ranch east of Greeley.In 1877, Lusk traveled to the Wyoming Territory for the first time on personal business and left highly impressed with the people and the area.In 1879, eastern Colorado had grown to the point that Lusk, along with his partners began exploring options outside of the area.