The W.T. Waggoner Ranch is a sprawling piece of Texas history. A hundred miles west of Fort Worth, the true Texas ranch spans over 500,000 acres of land. It’s the largest ranch in the United States under one fence, and its rich history dates back to the mid-1800s.
Dan Waggoner founded the ranch in 1849 when he came to Texas from Tennessee with his family and made a new start. Originally established as a cattle operation, it quickly became one of the most successful in the region. Over the years, the ranch expanded its operations to include horse breeding, oil wells, and even a hunting lodge.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Waggoner Ranch’s history is its connection to some of the most iconic figures of the Old West. Legendary figures like Buffalo Bill Cody and Will Rogers visited the ranch frequently. The famous 101 Ranch Wild West Show was there in 1909.
The ranch has also been home to some notable residents over the years, including A.B. “Bull” Durham, who was a well-known cattleman and oilman. Another notable resident was Tom Waggoner, Dan Waggoner’s son, and one of the most influential figures in the ranch’s history. Tom was famous for his love of horse racing and breeding He was instrumental in establishing the ranch as one of the premier horse breeding operations in the country.
Today, the Waggoner Ranch is still a working cattle ranch. It’s also a popular destination for visitors interested in Texas history and culture. You can take a guided tour of the ranch to see its many historic buildings, including the original headquarters building. This structure dates back to 1849. You can also visit the ranch’s museum, with exhibits about the ranch and the people who called it home over the years. You may choose to drive the state highways that crisscross the ranch and view the huge lakes, acres, and acres of farmland, mother cows, some of the horse inventory, and a lot of ranch equipment.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider visiting during one of the ranch’s annual events. The Waggoner Ranch Roundup is a popular event that takes place each fall, and it features cattle drives, horseback riding, and other ranch activities. The event is a great way to experience the history and culture of the ranch firsthand.
The Waggoner Ranch is an important piece of Texas history that has played a significant role in shaping the region’s culture and economy. From its humble beginnings as a cattle operation to its current status as a world-renowned breeder of American Quarter Horses, the ranch has been a symbol of Texas’s frontier spirit for over 150 years. So if you’re looking to explore a fascinating piece of Texas history, be sure to put the Waggoner Ranch on your list of must-see destinations.
Waggoner Family History
The Historic Waggoner Ranch is the largest ranch in the United States. Mostly in Wilbarger County in Western North Texas and reaching into other counties, the ranch covers over 500,000 acres (800 square miles). However, the history of the Waggoner family and their ownership of the ranch is just as fascinating as the property itself. From the ranch’s beginnings with Dan Waggoner to the fierce legal battles over its ownership, the story of the Waggoner family is deeply intertwined with the history of the American West.
Dan Waggoner founded Waggoner Ranch in 1849 with just a few head of cattle and a vision for the future. The ranch quickly grew, and by the 1870s, he was one of the wealthiest men in Texas. He had a shrewd business sense and his ability to turn a profit. This allowed him to acquire more land to expand his ranching empire. Today, it remains the largest contiguous ranch in North America.
When Dan Waggoner died in 1902, his son, WT (Tom) took over. Tom was also a savvy businessman and continued to grow the ranch’s operations. Under Tom’s leadership, the W. T. Waggoner Ranch became one of the largest and most successful ranches in the country, and it remained in the family for generations.
One of the most famous members of the Waggoner family was Electra Waggoner Biggs. Electra was Dan Waggoner’s granddaughter, and she was famous for her beauty, wealth, and eccentricities. She was one of the richest women in the world and used her wealth to support many philanthropic causes. She was also renowned for her love of horses and was an accomplished equestrian.
When Electra died in 1925, her children divided the ranch. However, the ranch’s legal battles were far from over. In the 1990s, a group of Waggoner family members sued each other over the ownership of the ranch, its mineral rights, and its oil production. The legal battle lasted for years and involved some of the most expensive lawyers in the country.
Family ownership ceased when a partnership including billionaire Stan Kroenke gained control of the holdings. The wealthy new owner is the owner of the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Nuggets. He is one of the most powerful people in sports, plus, his wife another billionaire, Ann Walton Kroenke. She is the daughter of Walmart co-founder James Walton.
The story of the Waggoner family and their ownership of the Waggoner Ranch is a fascinating one that deeply intertwines with the history of Texas and the American West. From Dan Waggoner’s beginnings as a cattle rancher to the fierce legal battles over the ranch’s ownership, the Waggoner family has left an indelible mark on the history of the region. And while the family no longer owns the ranch, the history of the Waggoner Ranch lives on.
Current Ownership of the Waggoner Ranch
Stan Kroenke is a name that’s well-known in the world of sports and entertainment. He’s the owner of several professional sports teams. These include the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche. Oh yes, he’s also a major player in the real estate industry. But what many people don’t know is that Kroenke has a special connection to the Waggoner Ranch.
Kroenke was born and raised in Missouri. He got his start in the real estate industry by developing shopping centers in the area. Eventually, his business grew to other parts of the country, and he amassed a fortune through his real estate ventures. In addition to his real estate holdings, Kroenke is married to Ann Walton Kroenke. She is the daughter of Bud Walton, the co-founder of Walmart.
Mogul Stan Kroenke’s bought the W T Waggoner Estate Ranch, in 2016 for a reported $725 million. The purchase was significant not just because it is the largest U.S. ranch, but also because of its historical significance.
The Waggoner Ranch was owned by the same family for over 160 years. This helps it keep its reputation as one of the most iconic ranches in the country. Kroenke’s purchase of the ranch was controversial, as many people were concerned about what would happen under his ownership. However, Kroenke has made it clear that he intends to preserve the ranch’s history and legacy.
Kroenke’s ties to the Walton family have also been the subject of much speculation over the years. Some people suggest that his marriage to Ann gave him access to her family’s vast fortune, helping him build his empire. Kroenke is tight-lipped about his relationship with the Waltons. It’s unclear how much influence they’ve had on his business dealings.
Regardless of his ties to the Waltons, there’s no denying Kroenke’s purchase of the Waggoner Ranch was a historic event. It’s clear that he understands the importance of preserving the ranch’s history and legacy. He keeps the well-being of the largest operating contiguous cattle ranch in the United States as a priority. Kronke will ensure it remains a symbol of Texas’s frontier spirit for generations to come.
Finally, Stan Kroenke’s ownership of the Waggoner Ranch has brought a lot of attention to this historic property. While his ties to the Walton family are the subject of speculation, it’s clear Kroenke will preserve the ranch’s legacy. With his resources and experience in real estate, he will ensure that the Waggoner Ranch will thrive for generations to come.
