Morales Ranch
Junction, Kimble County, Texas
Marker Inscription
350 yards southwest stands a small rock house built in 1881 by settler Meliton Morales (1837-1924). Born in Mexico, Morales was kidnapped by Indians as a youth and spent 9 years in captivity. Moved to Texas in 1855. Came here from Duval County in 1874, bringing 200 Spanish goats and 2,000 sheep to start ranching. He and wife Ramona (Pena) had 9 children. He served on jury of first court convened after organization of county. He and wife are buried on the Manuel Morales Ranch in Schleicher County, near Kimble County Line. Descendants own this land.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Meliton Morales was born in Mexico in 1837, kidnapped by Indians as a youth and held captive for nine years before making his way to Texas in 1855. In 1874 he drove 200 Spanish goats and 2,000 sheep into Kimble County and, in 1881, built the small rock house that still stands, raising nine children and serving on the county's first jury. His remarkable life crossed borders, cultures, and the violent frontier to plant a ranching family whose descendants still hold the land.
Why it matters
Morales's story recovers the Mexican and captive-taken experience at the heart of Texas ranching, a heritage often overshadowed in the standard cowboy narrative.
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Related people
- · Meliton Morales
- · Ramona Pena Morales
Themes & tags
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