Cattle Raisers Association Oak
Graham, Young County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In commemoration of the organization under this oak by 40 men of the Cattle Raisers Association of Texas on February 15-16, 1877. Its first officers were: C. L. Carter, President; J. D. Smith, vice president; J. C. Loving, secretary: S. J. Connor, assistant secretary. Its membership in 1936 is 2,500.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Under this oak near Graham in February 1877, forty cattlemen banded together to form the Cattle Raisers Association of Texas, choosing their first officers on the open range. In an era of unbranded strays, rustling, and the great trail drives, the group organized ranchers to protect their herds and their interests. By 1936 the association counted some 2,500 members.
Why it matters
This gathering founded one of the most influential ranching organizations in the West, a cornerstone of the cattle economy that defined frontier Texas.
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Related people
- · C. L. Carter
- · J. C. Loving
Related events
- · Founding of the Cattle Raisers Association of Texas
Themes & tags
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