When W. W. Jones rode on horseback across the brush covered prairies known as the “Wild Horse Desert” in the 1890’s, he embarked on a lifelong pursuit to acquire and build one of the most historic ranches in Texas. Over the span of thirty years, W. W. Jones utilized his vision and resources to create a lasting legacy for his family and descendants. The continued use of this land for livestock along with the modern development of energy resources combined with the many cultural and natural resources provide a very unique history.
The Jones Family Ranches are a premier example of tradition and modernization from the Spanish/Mexican colonial era to the digital age. The ranches are a nationally significant place where people confronted new lands and cultures and where there was no guarantee for success. This history is an important story of difficult challenges and remarkable accomplishments that took place in the land once known as the “Wild Horse Desert.” (Photo Credit: Jones Family Archives)