The Free Range Era of Ranching

The Free Range Era of Ranching Northwest Texas, 1878-1885 After Indians and buffalo were removed in 1870s, several hundred cattlemen with small herds came to rolling plains near site of later Lubbock, to graze free range. Vital natural water sources were found east of the Caprock, where springs and streams were fed from the Ogallala Formation of the High Plains. Here, with good years and rising prices, the free rangers prospered until 1884, when syndicates began purchasing land and enclosing large blocks with barbed wire. Free range men had to sell their herds to the syndicates or move farther west. The Spur Ranch alone acquired over 500,000 acres of land and bought cattle and brands from 37 of the free rangers. Similar ranches were developed by the Curry Comb, IOA, Jumbo, Long S, Magnolia, Matador, Pitchfork, Square and Compass, T Bar and Two Buckle interests. By 1885 all free range operations were transformed into large, enclosed ranches. Some free rangers exchanged cattle for stock in syndicates, others were employed by syndicates, and a few moved to Arizona, New Mexico or Wyoming. A few-- including the Edwards, Long and Slaughter Families-- acquired land and became sizable operators. 1970

The Free Range Era of Ranching is a historical marker in Lubbock, Lubbock County, dedicated in 1970. It is one of 35 historical markers documented in Lubbock County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 51 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 33.5912, -101.8837 near Lubbock. The nearest cataloged historic site is Texas Tech Judging Pavilion (historical marker), about 0.7 miles away. Others within a short drive include Texas Tech University Dairy Barn, Texas Technological College Dairy Barn, and Holden, William Curry and Olive Price, House.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5303005340. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.