Sayers - Walton Ranch House

Historical marker location:

Bastrop, Texas

( 23 miles southwest of Bastrop, on Old San Antonio-Nacogdoches Rd.)

Marker installed: 1982

Mississippi native Joseph D. Sayers (1841-1929) came to Bastrop County with his family in 1850. After serving in the Civil War, he returned to Bastrop and opened a law office with George W. Jones. An active political leader, Sayers served in a number of elected offices, including state senator, Lt. Governor, U. S. congressman and Governor of Texas. He and his brother-in-law George Walton established a 3998-acre ranching operation here in 1868. The Sayers-Walton Ranch house was built prior to 1880 and served as the Walton home until 1899, when the land was subdivided and sold. (1982).

governors ranching houses residential buildings

In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.