Historical Marker

Sunshine Ranch

Historical marker location:
Babcock Road, San Antonio, Texas
( Southwest corner of Babcock Road and Saint Cloud)
Marker installed: 2010
Marker size: 27" x 42"

SUNSHINE RANCH

FOR 50 YEARS, THIS WAS THE LOCATION OF THE SUNSHINE RANCH, WHICH WAS PARTICULARLY KNOWN FOR ITS MILK PRODUCTION BUSINESS. IN 1905, WILLIE MAVERICK GAVE 173 ACRES OF LAND ALONG BABCOCK ROAD TO ALBERT (HIS NEPHEW) AND JANE (MAURY) MAVERICK. JANE NAMED THE PROPERTY SUNSHINE RANCH AND THEY BUILT A HOME DESIGNED BY NOTED ARCHITECT ALFRED GILES ATOP THE HILL ON SUNSHINE RANCH ROAD. IT WAS ALSO KNOWN AS THE “BIG HOUSE.”

JAMES SLAYDEN (JIM) MAVERICK, THE EIGHTH OF ALBERT AND JANE’S ELEVEN CHILDREN, AMASSED A SMALL HERD OF PUREBRED JERSEY AND HOLSTEIN CATTLE AFTER GRADUATING FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN. IN 1917, HE OPENED THE SUNSHINE DAIRY, SELLING WHAT HE CALLED SUNSHINE CERTIFIED MILK. MAVERICK STRESSED CLEANLINESS IN HIS MILK PRODUCTS, WHICH INCLUDED MILK FROM EACH OF THE HERDS, HEAVY CREAM, COTTAGE CHEESE, AND TWO RARER PRODUCTS: BUTTER CREAM AND SOFT CURD MILK. THE COMPANY OFFERED ITS PRODUCTS AT THE RANCH AND BY TRUCK THROUGH AREA DELIVERY ROUTES; BORDEN’S, DAIRYLAND AND KNOWLTON CREAMERIES ALSO DELIVERED SUNSHINE CERTIFIED MILK. JOSKE’S DEPARTMENT STORES USED THE MILK AND CREAM TO MAKE ICE CREAM IN THEIR RESTAURANTS.

SUNSHINE RANCH INCLUDED ELEVEN HOUSES FOR EMPLOYEES, MOST OF WHICH WERE OF MEXICAN DESCENT. MANY MAVERICK FAMILY MEMBERS LIVED NEARBY. VISITORS WERE ENCOURAGED AT THE RANCH, WHERE NEARBY CITY DWELLERS COULD VISIT THE RURAL DAIRY FARM. IN 1955, THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO ANNEXED THE PROPERTY. MAVERICK AUCTIONED OFF THE HERD AND SOLD THE PROPERTY, WHICH WAS REDEVELOPED AS A SUBDIVISION. HE THEN RETIRED WITH HIS WIFE, HAZEL. SUNSHINE RANCH WAS A SIGNIFICANT AREA INSTITUTION IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE 20TH CENTURY, AND REPRESENTS A RURAL EXPERIENCE THAT HAS ALL BUT DISAPPEARED FROM TEXAS.

(2010)

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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Texas random facts
Bexar County, Texas, holds a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. Native American tribes thrived in the region for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. In 1718, the Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known as the Alamo, which became a symbol of Texas' fight for independence. The area came under Mexican control after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo took place, where a small group of Texan defenders valiantly fought against Mexican forces. Although the defenders ultimately lost, their bravery and sacrifice galvanized the Texan cause. Soon after, the Republic of Texas was established, and Bexar County was officially created in 1837, named after San Antonio de Béxar.

Bexar County played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became part of the United States when Texas joined as the 28th state in 1845. The county saw significant growth with the construction of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the influx of European immigrants. In 1968, HemisFair '68 brought international attention to the county, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors from around the world. Today, Bexar County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, robust military presence, renowned healthcare institutions, and prestigious educational establishments.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bexar County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The region that would become Bexar County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache.

  • 1718: The Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, in what is now downtown San Antonio. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the area.

  • 1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region came under Mexican control.

  • 1836: The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against Mexican forces. Though the defenders were ultimately defeated, their resistance became a symbol of Texas independence.

  • 1837: The Republic of Texas officially established Bexar County, naming it after San Antonio de Béxar, the former Spanish name for the area.

  • 1845: Texas joined the United States as the 28th state.

  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Bexar County remained part of the Confederacy.

  • Late 19th-early 20th century: The county saw growth and development with the expansion of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the arrival of European immigrants.

  • 1968: HemisFair '68, a world's fair, was held in San Antonio, bringing national and international attention to the city and the county.