Historical Marker

Matador Ranch

Historical marker location:
SH 70, Matador, Texas
( From Matador, south about 0.5 mi. on SH 70, roadside park near ranch headquarters)
Marker installed: 1986
Marker size: 27" x 42"

The Matador Cattle Company began as an open range ranch in 1879 when Henry H. Campbell, A. M. Britton, and three others bought range rights in this area.

In 1882, the ranch was purchased by Scottish investors, who formed the Matador Land & Cattle Company, Ltd. The ranch utilized one and one half million acres of owned and leased range in Motley, Floyd, Dickens and Cottle counties. In 1902, the ranch acquired the 210,000 acre Alamocitas Ranch in Oldham County. Additional pastures were leased in the Dakotas, Montana and Canada. At its height the ranch owned 90,000 cattle and title to 879,000 acres of Texas land.

In 1913, the Quanah, Acme and Pacific Railroad was built through the ranch in Motley County and the town of Roaring Springs was established.

General managers of the ranch were Britton (1879-90), Murdo MacKenzie (1890-1911, 1923-1937), John MacBain (1912-1922), and John MacKenzie (1937-1951). The general manager's office was located first in Fort Worth and later in Trinidad and Denver, Colorado. Corporate offices were maintained in Scotland from 1882 until the ranch's liquidation in 1951. The ranch headquarters was purchased by Koch Industries, Inc. and became The Matador Cattle Company.

Texas Sesquicentennial, 1836-1986

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.

ranching
Texas is a great place to be rich and a terrible place to be poor.
Richard Parker in The Nation
Motley County, located in west Texas, has a rich history dating back thousands of years to the prehistoric era. The area was once inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Comanches and Apaches, who roamed and hunted in the region. However, it was not until the 1870s that the first European settlers arrived in the area.

In 1876, the Texas legislature officially established Motley County, naming it in honor of Junius William Mottley, a renowned jurist from Texas. The county's early economy relied heavily on ranching and agriculture, with cattle ranching being the dominant industry. The open plains and fertile soil made it ideal for grazing and farming, attracting more settlers and leading to the establishment of small rural communities throughout the county.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Motley County experienced periods of boom and bust. A significant event in the county's history was the discovery of oil in 1924, which brought a surge of economic activity and population growth to the area. Oil production became a major industry and played a pivotal role in driving the county's economy for several decades. However, as the oil fields began to decline, the county shifted its focus back to agriculture and ranching.

Today, Motley County remains primarily rural, with a small population and a strong agricultural sector. The county is known for its picturesque landscapes, including the iconic Caprock Canyons State Park which attracts tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. While the county has faced its fair share of challenges, its rich history and natural beauty continue to make it an important part of Texas heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Motley County, Texas.

  • 1876 - Motley County was organized and named after Edward J. Motley, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
  • 1890s - Ranching became the main industry in the county.
  • 1891 - The town of Matador was established as the county seat.
  • 1909 - Construction of the Courthouse began in Matador.
  • 1926 - The Matador Ranch, one of the largest and most famous ranches in Texas, was divided into smaller ranches.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression brought hardships to the county, with many residents leaving in search of work.
  • 1950s - Oil was discovered in the county, leading to an economic boom.
  • 1960s - Motley County experienced a decline in population as agriculture became less profitable.
  • 1990 - The population reached its lowest point in decades.
  • 2000s - Wind energy development brought new economic opportunities to the county.
  • Present - Motley County continues to be a rural community, with ranching, agriculture, and wind energy playing important roles in the local economy.
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