Texas is home to some of the most famous ranches in America, as well as some of the largest. For nearly three centuries, ranching has been a major industry in Texas. Ranchers have collectively shaped the social and economic identity of the state. The largest ranches list showcases some of the most famous properties like King Ranch or Four Sixes, but many others, although not always known by their names, contribute to the ranching and cattle industry on a national and international level.
10. The Four Sixes Ranch
266,000 acres
King County, Carson County and Hutchinson County, Texas
This ranch has quickly gained popularity because of its appearance and inspiration for Taylor Sheridan’s television series Yellowstone. The sheer size and history associated with this ranch make it one of the most prominent ranches in the United States. To put the size of this ranch into perspective, the Four Sixes Ranch is larger in land mass than the entirety of New York City. While the Four Sixes brand was established in the early 1870s by Samuel Burk Burnett, the purchase of the ranch was finalized in 1900. Today, the ranch is a frontrunner in the cattle and quarter horse industries. Dedicated to preserving its legacy, the ranch was sold in 2020 for $320 million to a buyer group represented by Taylor Sheridan.
9. Kokernot Ranch (06 Ranch)
278,000 acres
Jeff Davis, Pecos and Brewster County, Texas
This iconic ranch is located in western Texas and prides itself in its livestock and hunting opportunities. It was originally acquired in 1912 by the Kokernot family, but the 06 cattle brand dates back to 1872. The ranch is a horse and cattle operation, and in addition, it offers trophy hunting excursions.
Today the ranch is operated by Dr. Henry Singleton’s five children, who continue his passion and legacy. Through its Foundation, the ranch supports local youth, including FFA and 4-H organizations. Visit the website.
8. Nunley Brothers
301,500 acres
Santa Gertrudis Cattle
Sabinal, Texas
The Nunley Brothers Ranch is a cattle ranch located in western Texas and is known for its Santa Gertrudis cattle breed. It was founded in 1972 by Red Nunley, who is the Nunley brother’s grandfather. Red Nunley partnered with Dolph Briscoe Senior, the founder of the Briscoe Ranch, to breed his herd of Santa Gertrudis cattle.
7. Longfellow Ranch
350,000 acres
Fort Stockton, TX
Located in the center of the Big Bend Country in Western Texas, the Longfellow Ranch is a working cattle ranch that also includes the Pinon gas field. This is also a hunter’s paradise offering activities such as wildlife tours, shooting, and archery. It is currently owned by SandRidge Energy, founded by Malone Mitchell III.
6. Brewster Ranch
353,785 acres
Brewster County, Texas
The Brewster Ranch is around half of the size of Rhode Island and was most recently purchased by the Texas General Land Office. The real estate firm that brokered the sale described it as one of the most significant land acquisitions in the history of Texas. It was initially founded in the late 1800s and was significantly expanded through the purchase of 30 other ranches. The plan for the property is to focus on conservation. This ranch is diverse with many headquarters and ranching operations scattered over 662 square mile landscape.
5. Hughes Ranch
390,000 acres
Hughes Ranch was founded in 1951 on the border between Louisiana and Texas. Famous for its long family heritage and its ethical and sustainable meat products, it prides itself on its famous Ranch Raised Beef, which goes directly from pasture to plate. Dan Allen Hughes Jr. serves as the chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission and is a member on the advisory board of the Borderlands Research Institute for Natural Resource Management at Sul Ross State University in Alpine.
4. O’Connor Ranch
500,000 acres
This historic and expansive ranching empire built by the O’Connor family all started with Thomas O’Connor who played a significant role in the Texas Revolution by being one of the signers of the Goliad Declaration of Independence and one of the youngest soldiers who participated in the Battle of San Jacinto. The O’Connor family gained most of their wealth from the Tom O’Connor play, which is an oil field located on the ranch. According to the Texas State Historical Association, the O’Connors brought the first rotary drilling equipment to the Lone Star State.
3. Waggoner Ranch
535,000 acres
Wilbarger, Baylor, Wichita, Archer, Knox, and Foard Counties
Also known as the W.T. Waggoner Estate, this historic ranch is famously known for being the largest ranch under one fence in the entirety of the United States. The ranch was first established in 1849 and was owned by the family until they recently sold it to Stan Kroenke, owner of the Arsenal F.C. Premier League team and the Los Angeles Rams.
2. Briscoe Ranch
640,000 acres
Uvalde, TX
The Briscoe Family is one of the most prominent ranching families in Texas and has roots that connect to many different aspects of the Lone Star State, including the political aspect with Dolph Briscoe Jr. being the 41st Governor of Texas and an incredible rancher. The family strongly advocates for water conservation and rangeland management. The ranch itself focuses on cattle production but also has interests in oil and gas.
1. King Ranch
825,000 acres
Kleberg, Kenedy, Brooks, Jim Wells, Nueces, and Willacy Counties
Not only the largest ranch in Texas, but also the largest ranch in the United States, The King Ranch is larger than the state of Rhode Island. It specializes in cattle ranching, production of thoroughbreds, farming, and recreational hunting. The ranch was founded in 1853 by Captain Richard King and Gideon K. Lewis. King Ranch and the is famous for many reasons, one including its thoroughbreds Middleground, who won the Kentucky Derby in 1950 and Assault who won the Triple Crown in 1946 – the only Texas-bred horse to win the Crown.
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