Texas has long been synonymous with ranching, wide-open spaces, and the cowboy way of life.  The legendary ranches scattered across the Lone Star State have played an integral role in shaping its history and culture.  These sprawling properties are more than just pieces of land—they are monuments to the state’s rich legacy of cattle driving, oil discoveries, and frontier determination.  From family-owned operations to ranches the size of small countries, each has its own unique story to tell.  The following are the top 10 legendary ranches in Texas, ranked by size, along with their histories, unique characteristics, and captivating anecdotes.

#1: King Ranch – 825,000 Acres

King Ranch, located in South Texas near Kingsville, is the largest and most legendary ranch in Texas.  Founded in 1853 by Captain Richard King, it sprawls across four counties, nearly rivaling the size of Rhode Island. Captain King, a steamboat captain, purchased the initial 15,500 acres after falling in love with the rugged landscape during a trip to the area.  King Ranch quickly became a pioneer in ranching operations, introducing Brahman cattle and improving livestock breeding techniques.  The ranch is best known for developing the Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle, which thrives in the harsh Texas heat.

An interesting anecdote tells of Captain King riding through the Mexican town of Cruillas during a drought and purchasing cattle from struggling ranchers.  Moved by their plight, he later sent for the families of these ranchers and gave them jobs on his ranch, where many of their descendants remain today.  King Ranch has also become synonymous with Texas oil production, with massive oil discoveries in the 1930s adding to its legacy.

Today, King Ranch is a diversified enterprise, including ranching, farming, and hunting, and is home to rich wildlife and unique ecosystems.  Its iconic running “W” brand has become a global symbol of Texas pride, even featured on Ford’s King Ranch edition trucks.  Whether through its cattle legacy, conservation efforts, or cultural influence, King Ranch has earned its place as the crown jewel of Texas ranching.

#2: Briscoe Ranch – 640,000 Acres

The Briscoe Ranch, located in South Texas, traces its roots back to Dolph Briscoe Jr., the 41st Governor of Texas and one of the state’s most prominent ranchers.  Dolph Briscoe expanded the family holdings into one of the largest ranching empires in the United States.  With properties stretching across the brush country near Uvalde and Carrizo Springs, the Briscoe Ranch is famous for its combination of traditional cattle ranching and modern agricultural practices.

Interestingly, Briscoe was known for his deep respect for the land, often advocating for water conservation and rangeland management.  The ranch itself is home to some of Texas’s most impressive whitetail deer populations, which has made it a haven for hunters.  Anecdotal stories tell of Briscoe hosting friends and dignitaries for hunting excursions, creating lasting memories on the rugged terrain.

Briscoe’s influence extended beyond ranching; he played a vital role in the development of Texas infrastructure, such as farm-to-market roads, which still benefit rural communities today.  The Briscoe Ranch is a confirmation to the marriage of heritage and forward-thinking, embodying the spirit of stewardship that defines Texas ranching families.

#3: Waggoner Ranch – 535,000 Acres

Waggoner Ranch, located near Vernon in North Texas, is the largest contiguous ranch in the United States.  Founded in 1849 by Dan Waggoner, it grew into a massive cattle and oil empire under the guidance of his son, W.T. Waggoner.  The ranch spans six counties and includes oil fields, farmland, and an impressive equine breeding program.  The Waggoner Ranch’s storied history features both triumph and drama, particularly during the Waggoner family’s ownership disputes in the early 20th century.

W.T. Waggoner famously invested in Thoroughbred racehorses and even owned the legendary stallion Poco Bueno, a foundation sire in the American Quarter Horse breed.  Anecdotes tell of oil discoveries that occurred when Waggoner struck liquid gold while digging for water.  This oil wealth funded improvements to the ranch and solidified its legacy.

The ranch made headlines in 2016 when it was sold for $725 million to Stan Kroenke, a billionaire sports team owner.  Despite the change in ownership, Waggoner Ranch remains a symbol of Texas perseverance and prosperity.

#4: XIT Ranch – 500,000 Acres (Former Size)

Though no longer a functioning single property, the XIT Ranch deserves recognition for its legendary history.  At its peak in the late 19th century, XIT spanned 3 million acres across the Texas Panhandle. The land was traded to the Capitol Freehold Land and Investment Company of Chicago in exchange for funding the construction of the Texas State Capitol in Austin.  The XIT Ranch operated from 1885 to the early 20th century and was known for its immense cattle operation, with 150,000 head grazing at its height.

Ranch hands often joked that XIT stood for “Ten in Texas” because the ranch extended into ten counties.  Stories abound of cowboys spending weeks riding fences or driving herds along the rugged plains, battling drought, blizzards, and rustlers.  The XIT Ranch’s legendary cowboy culture is still celebrated at the annual XIT Rodeo in Dalhart, Texas.

While the XIT Ranch was eventually sold off in smaller parcels, its legacy as a vast, frontier-spanning ranch remains unmatched in Texas history.

#5: 6666 Ranch (Four Sixes Ranch) – 266,000 Acres

The legendary 6666 Ranch, located in Guthrie, Texas, is one of the most storied ranches in the state. Founded in 1870 by Samuel “Burk” Burnett, the ranch quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality cattle and horses.  Burk Burnett was only 19 when he purchased 100 head of cattle with the “6666” brand already burned into their hides, and this fortuitous branding would later become an iconic symbol of Texas ranching.

The 6666 Ranch has played a major role in the development of American Quarter Horses, breeding some of the finest bloodlines in the country.  Anecdotal stories tell of Burnett’s friendship with President Theodore Roosevelt, who once visited the ranch and marveled at its scale and efficiency.  The ranch is also known for its state-of-the-art veterinary and equine breeding facilities, attracting ranchers and horse enthusiasts from all over the world.

In popular culture, the 6666 Ranch has achieved modern fame through its association with Taylor Sheridan’s hit television series Yellowstone, which featured the ranch prominently.  In 2021, the ranch was sold to a group led by Sheridan, cementing its role not only in ranching history but also in the entertainment industry.  Despite changing times, the 6666 Ranch continues to operate as a premier cattle and horse operation, embodying the rugged and resilient spirit of Texas.

#6: O’Connor Ranch – 500,000 Acres (Historical Size)

The O’Connor Ranch, originally spanning over 500,000 acres across South Texas, has been a cornerstone of the state’s ranching heritage for over 150 years.  Founded in 1834 by Irish immigrant Thomas O’Connor, the ranch grew into one of the largest family-owned ranches in the country.  The O’Connor family built their empire on cattle, becoming one of the first ranches to capitalize on the booming cattle drives of the 19th century.

Thomas O’Connor’s story is one of determination and grit, arriving in Texas with little more than a dream and eventually turning his holdings into a sprawling enterprise.  Anecdotes tell of O’Connor’s cattle being driven north to markets in Kansas City, where they fetched top dollar.  Over generations, the O’Connor family diversified into oil and gas exploration, further solidifying their legacy in Texas.

Though parts of the ranch have been sold off, the O’Connor family remains deeply tied to the land, managing portions of the property while continuing their stewardship of its natural resources.  The O’Connor Ranch is a symbol of the enduring influence of Texas ranching families and the generational bonds they share with the land.

#7: Matador Ranch – 130,000 Acres

The Matador Ranch, located in the Texas Panhandle near Matador, was established in the late 19th century and became one of the most influential cattle operations in the state.  Originally owned by Scottish investors as part of the Matador Land and Cattle Company, the ranch grew into a thriving enterprise that symbolized the globalization of Texas ranching.

At its height, the Matador Ranch employed hundreds of cowboys and operated under strict management principles.  Stories abound of cowboys herding massive cattle drives across treacherous terrain, enduring harsh winters, and summer droughts.  One notable anecdote involves legendary cowboy Charlie Goodnight, who briefly managed parts of the Matador Ranch and contributed his expertise to its growth.

Today, the Matador Ranch continues to thrive as a hub for cattle ranching, hunting, and conservation.  Its historical ties to Scottish investors and its role in shaping Texas cowboy culture make it a uniquely storied ranch that stands the test of time.

#8: Hughes Ranch – 130,000 Acres

Located in South Texas near the Gulf Coast, the Hughes Ranch is a sprawling property with a deep connection to both cattle and wildlife management.  Established by the Hughes family, the ranch represents a blend of traditional ranching practices and modern conservation efforts.  The ranch’s location provides a rich and diverse ecosystem, with coastal prairies and wetlands that support cattle grazing and wildlife habitat.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Hughes Ranch is its focus on sustainable practices, including water management and wildlife preservation.  The ranch is home to numerous native species, including white-tailed deer and migratory birds, making it a destination for hunters and nature enthusiasts.  Anecdotes from ranch hands highlight the beauty of the land and the family’s dedication to preserving its natural resources for future generations.

The Hughes Ranch exemplifies the balance between economic success and environmental stewardship, serving as a model for ranchers across the state.

#9: Pitchfork Ranch – 165,000 Acres

Founded in 1883, the Pitchfork Ranch stretches across West Texas near Guthrie and into Oklahoma, covering 165,000 acres of rugged terrain.  The ranch was established by cattleman Eugene Williams and remains one of the oldest continually operating ranches in Texas.  Known for its high-quality cattle and Quarter Horse breeding program, the Pitchfork Ranch has played a critical role in the development of Texas ranching.

An interesting anecdote involves the ranch’s famous “Pitchfork” brand, which has become one of the most recognizable cattle brands in Texas history.  Over the years, the ranch has adapted to changing times, adding modern technology to its operations while maintaining traditional cowboy practices.

The Pitchfork Ranch has also been a setting for numerous films and books, further embedding its legacy in Texas culture.  It stands as a testament to the enduring tradition of cattle ranching and the families who dedicate their lives to preserving it.

#10: YO Ranch – 40,000 Acres

Located in the Texas Hill Country near Kerrville, the YO Ranch is one of the most famous exotic wildlife ranches in the state.  Established in 1880 by Captain Charles Schreiner, the ranch was originally a cattle operation but later gained prominence for introducing exotic species like giraffes, antelope, and zebras.

Captain Schreiner’s story is one of ambition and ingenuity; after building a fortune through cattle drives, he turned the ranch into a recreational destination. Anecdotes abound of Hollywood celebrities and hunters visiting the ranch to marvel at its unique wildlife.  The YO Ranch became synonymous with luxury and adventure, attracting visitors from around the world.

Though parts of the ranch have been sold in recent years, the Schreiner family’s legacy endures.  The YO Ranch remains a beloved symbol of the Texas Hill Country and its ability to blend ranching heritage with modern tourism.

Texas’s legendary ranches are more than vast expanses of land; they represent the history, culture, and spirit of the Lone Star State.  From cattle empires like King Ranch and Waggoner Ranch to wildlife sanctuaries like YO Ranch, each property tells a unique story of resilience, innovation, and heritage.  These ranches are a witness to the individuals and families who have shaped Texas into what it is today—a land of endless horizons, rugged determination, and unwavering pride.