The George Ranch Historical Park

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About the George Ranch Historical Park

The George Ranch Historical Park's history follows family lines beginning in 1824 when Texas was still part of Mexico. The first Texas pioneers settled near the Brazos River. In the years since, the Ranch has passed through four generations and grown into one of Fort Bend County's landmarks.

Today, the George Ranch is a 23,000-acre working ranch. The family's original "home place" is at the core of the George Ranch Historical Park where the legends and legacies of those who shaped this place come to life every day. Authentic locations, historic homes, costumed presenters and a remarkable story of determination and courage set the stage for trekking through Texas history.
 

1830s Jones Stock Farm

Embark on a trip through history with a visit to one of the earliest settlements of Northeast Mexico: the Henry and Nancy Jones Homestead. Marvel at the early tales of Texas and wander through the gardens, barns and outdoor kitchens.

• Seasonal crops you can help harvest
• Livestock (chickens, pigs, horses, etc)
• Weaving, grinding corn and other hands-on activities
• Daily demonstrations.

1860s Ryon Prairie Home

Picture life in post-Civil War Texas with a visit to the home of Polly Ryon and her husband William during the rapid expansion of their ranching operations. Meet Colonel Ryon and take a tour of his 19th-Century home.

 

 

1890s Davis Victorian Mansion

Explore the waning days of the 19^th century in the Victorian splendor of the Davis Mansion. Complete your tour by visiting the sharecropper farm and working blacksmith shop.

• The Rail Car and Longhorn Pens:
  While longhorn cattle graze nearby in the pasture, an exhibit presents the ways cattle were moved to market from this part of Texas ... some went by trails, some by rails and even some by sails.
• The Sharecropper's Farm:
  Step into the daily life of freed slaves after the Civil War. (Features include a salvaged frame house, outbuildings and livestock.)
• Chuck Wagon Camp:
  Meet "Cookie" as he describes the last days of the cattle drives while preparing food at his authentic chuck wagon.
• Oldenburg Blacksmith:
  Learn the importance of the blacksmith trade as you watch our craftsmen at work. As in older days, our blacksmith makes most of the metal tools and equipment needed on the Ranch.
• The Davis House:
  Get a feel for the very proper Victorian era by touring the elegant Davis House. This beautiful home depicts life in the 1890s, and is a favorite of visitors of all ages.
• The Original Family Cemetery:
  The family cemetery was started in the 1820s with the last burial in 1916. Many of the later generations of the family are buried in historic Morton Cemetery in Richmond.

 

 

1930s George Ranch House

A.P. and Mamie George were the last generation of Henry and Nancy Jones's descendents to oversee this ranching operation. The ranch house still stands where it was built at the turn-of-the-century (designed by renowned Galveston architect Nicholas Clayton). The original barns and working pens set the stage for our interpretive programs on ranching in the 1930s and 1940s.

Tour the George Ranch House, filled with many of the Georges' furnishings.

See the cowboys working cattle in the front pens (sorting, roping and more). Also, watch the cowboys tend to the cattle in the chute before sending them into one of the few dipping vats still in existence in the United States.