Ben Cartwright is a fictional character from the American television series Bonanza, which aired from 1959 to 1973. He is portrayed as the patriarch of the Cartwright family, which includes his three sons: Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe. Ben is known for his strong moral values, leadership skills, and dedication to his family and the Ponderosa Ranch. As a widower, Ben Cartwright raises his sons on the ranch in Nevada, teaching them important life lessons and the value of hard work. The show often explores themes of family, justice, and the challenges of frontier life during the 19th century.