Samuel Burk Burnett
Burkburnett, Wichita County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A native of Missouri, Samuel Burk Burnett came to Texas with his family soon after the Civil War. He married Ruth Loyd of Fort Worth in 1870, and in partnership with her father, Martin B. Loyd, established the famous Four Sixes (6666) Ranch in 1875. Burnett became one of the most influential ranchers in the state and a major business leader in Fort Worth. Burnett's second wife was Mary Couts Barradel of Weatherford. U.S. resident Theodore Roosevelt is said to have named the town of Burkburnett after a wolf-hunting trip with Burnett in 1905.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Samuel Burk Burnett came to Texas from Missouri just after the Civil War and, partnering with his father-in-law, founded the famous Four Sixes (6666) Ranch in 1875. He grew into one of the state's most powerful cattlemen and a leading force in Fort Worth business. By tradition, the town of Burkburnett was named at the suggestion of President Theodore Roosevelt after a 1905 wolf hunt with Burnett.
Why it matters
Burnett's story epitomizes the great age of the Texas cattle empire, when open-range ranching built fortunes, shaped cities, and reached all the way to the White House.
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Related people
- · Samuel Burk Burnett
- · Ruth Loyd
- · Theodore Roosevelt
Themes & tags
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