Sanborn Ranch
Whitesboro, Grayson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Established in late 1870's by H. B. Sanborn, one of the major promoters of barbed wire. Ranch (a showplace) was first large area in Texas to be fenced with barbed wire -- a model demonstration project, contributing to decline of open-range west. In 1888, Sanborn founded city of Amarillo and thereafter sold ranch. (1967)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Established in the late 1870s by H.B. Sanborn, a leading promoter of barbed wire, this Grayson County showplace became the first large Texas spread fenced with the new wire—a working demonstration meant to convince skeptical cattlemen. The model project helped hasten the end of the open range that had defined the cattle frontier. In 1888 Sanborn went on to found the city of Amarillo, then sold the ranch.
Why it matters
Barbed wire remade the American West by closing the open range, and this ranch was the proving ground that helped sell that revolution to Texas.
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Related people
- · H. B. Sanborn
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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