
Did you know that there are more than 700,000 ranches and cattle farms in the US that take up about 27% of the land? Ranches hold a special place in the heart of American history, taking on the spirit of the Old West and the rugged determination of those who tamed the frontier. These vast expanses of land are often passed down through generations and tell stories of adventure, hardship, and the deep connection between humans and the land they cultivate. This article will shed light on some of the oldest and most iconic ones that still exist.
Deep Hollow Ranch

Deep Hollow Ranch claims to be the birthplace of American cowboys. This ranch was established in 1658, 118 miles east of NYC, in the village of Montauk. Although it was primarily a cattle ranch, it now offers horseback riding and hay rides. It has also been used to hold several concerts, mainly to raise funds for charity.
King Ranch

Located in Kingsville, Texas, King Ranch was built in 1853 by Richard King. It’s divided into four divisions and includes parts of six different counties. The ranch currently stretches for about 825,000 acres, although National Geographic mentioned that it’s bigger in one of its documentaries. Lords of the Land is a novel by Matt Braun, based on King Ranch and its founder.
Sierra Bonita Ranch

In 1872, Henry C. Hooker bought several ranches to build one of his own, eventually becoming one of the biggest ones in the US and the oldest one in Arizona. This ranch was approximately 518,000 acres at this time, but the current one is much smaller. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and is currently owned by Hooker’s great-great-great-grandson.
Waggoner Ranch

Waggoner Ranch is the largest and oldest ranch in the US within one fence. Daniel Waggoner founded this ranch in 1852 in North Texas, which had over 1 million acres of land, but his son acquired more land after his death. It was primarily used to raise cattle and horses, and today has 1100 producing oil wells, 367 wind farms, and a lake that provides water for the City of Wichita Falls.
Eatons’ Ranch

The three Eaton brothers founded the first dude ranch in Wyoming in 1879. However, it was first a cattle ranch that friends and family often visited, extending their stays for months. It currently stretches over 7000 acres of meadows, hills, and valleys and offers guests a chance to try horseback riding, fishing, and roping.
OTO Homestead and Dude Ranch

James Norris (Dick) Randall and his wife Dora wanted to start a business where people can enjoy a true ranch experience. They purchased squatters’ rights on a small cabin near the Absaroka Mountains and started the first dude ranch in Montana in 1892. The ranch grew for over a century, including a lodge, several cabins, barns, a post office, and other buildings, hosting numerous wealthy guests, including Theodore Roosevelt and Marcellus Hartley Dodge, Jr.
Medano-Zapata Ranch

Originally made of two ranches consolidated together, this establishment has operated since the 1860s. Several owners exchanged ownership until the Stewart family bought it in the middle of the 20th century. People go to the Medano-Zapata Ranch to explore the essence of Colorado, riding through herds of bison or learning about cattle grazing practices. Accommodation is available at the ranch’s historical 15-bedroom lodge, built in the 1800s.
Bar Lazy J Ranch

In the early 1900s, travelers would arrive at the Bar Lazy J Ranch in Colorado for food and accommodation, usually offered without cost. However, James S. Ferguson and Edgar M. Messiter purchased the property in 1912 to start a guest ranch business. Guests first stayed in tents, but soon, they were replaced with cabins. The ranch was later sold several times and now offers multiple activities to guests, including fly fishing, horseback riding, zip-lining, and a special kids’ program.
Lonely Dell Ranch

John D. Lee was a Mormon pioneer who wanted to build cabins for his family in 1872. One of his wives gave the ranch this name because it’s located in a remote area in Arizona. However, tension rose between the new settlers and the native Navajo, so he had to build Lee’s Ferry Fort, which later became a trading post. Today, guests can enjoy orchard trips or guided hikes to explore this historic site.
Circle Z Ranch

Originally starting as a sheep herding business, the Circle Z Ranch became a dude ranch in the 1920s and the oldest continuously operating one in Arizona. Guests can take horseback riding lessons, enjoy campfire nights, and watch roping demonstrations to learn about cowboy culture. The Nash family owns the ranch, which stretches over 5600 acres, in addition to 1500 acres leased from the state for the summer horse pasture.