Gallagher Ranch
Lakehills, Medina County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Fort and ranch house built by Peter Gallagher (1812-1878), Irish-Texan engineer, merchant, ranger, and diarist of the Texan-Santa Fe Expedition. The hacienda of native stone, with rifle slits to protect from Indian attack, was bought 1927 by H.V. McNutt as headquarters of early Texas guest ranch. The rambling Mexican-style home has known distinguished guests and the routine of a working ranch. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This native-stone hacienda was built as a fortified ranch house by Peter Gallagher (1812–1878), an Irish-Texan engineer, merchant, ranger, and diarist of the ill-fated Texan-Santa Fe Expedition. Its walls were pierced with rifle slits for defense against frontier raids. In 1927 it was bought by H. V. McNutt and became the headquarters of one of Texas's early guest ranches.
Why it matters
It captures the danger and enterprise of frontier settlement in early Texas, where homes doubled as forts against the perils of the borderlands.
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Related people
- · Peter Gallagher
- · H. V. McNutt
Related events
- · Texan-Santa Fe Expedition
Themes & tags
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