The King Ranch is a massive ranch in South Texas that has been in operation for over a century. It was founded in 1853 by Richard King, a cattleman from New York. The ranch spans over 825,000 acres and is home to a variety of livestock, including cattle, horses, and sheep. It is also a popular destination for hunting and fishing.
The King Ranch is a privately-owned company, and the majority of its shares are owned by the descendants of Richard King. The King family has a long history of involvement in the ranching industry, and they have been instrumental in the success of the King Ranch. The ranch is currently managed by Richard K. King, the great-grandson of the founder.
The King Ranch is a major economic driver for South Texas, and it provides jobs for thousands of people. It is also a popular tourist destination, and visitors come from all over the world to see the ranch and its many attractions.
who owns king ranch
King Ranch is a privately-owned company.
- Majority shares: King family descendants
- Current manager: Richard K. King
- Founded in 1853
- Founder: Richard King
- Location: South Texas
- Size: Over 825,000 acres
- Economic driver for South Texas
The King Ranch is a major economic driver for South Texas, and it provides jobs for thousands of people. It is also a popular tourist destination, and visitors come from all over the world to see the ranch and its many attractions.
Majority shares: King family descendants
The majority of shares in King Ranch are owned by the descendants of Richard King, the founder of the ranch. The King family has a long history of involvement in the ranching industry, and they have been instrumental in the success of the King Ranch.
Richard King was born in New York in 1825. He moved to Texas in 1846 and started a cattle ranching business. In 1853, he purchased the land that would become the King Ranch. King was a successful businessman, and he expanded the ranch to over 1 million acres. He also introduced new breeds of cattle to the ranch, and he helped to develop the Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle.
Richard King died in 1885, but his family continued to operate the ranch. His son, Robert J. Kleberg, took over the management of the ranch in 1886. Kleberg was also a successful businessman, and he helped to expand the ranch to over 1.2 million acres. He also introduced new technologies to the ranch, such as windmills and barbed wire.
The King Ranch is currently managed by Richard K. King, the great-grandson of the founder. King is a graduate of Texas A&M University, and he has a long history of involvement in the ranching industry. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.
The King Ranch is a major economic driver for South Texas, and it provides jobs for thousands of people. It is also a popular tourist destination, and visitors come from all over the world to see the ranch and its many attractions.
Current manager: Richard K. King
Richard K. King is the current manager of the King Ranch. He is the great-grandson of the founder, Richard King.
- Education:
King is a graduate of Texas A&M University.
- Experience:
King has a long history of involvement in the ranching industry. He has worked on the King Ranch since he was a child, and he has held various management positions.
- Memberships:
King is a member of the board of directors of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.
- Accomplishments:
Under King's management, the King Ranch has continued to be a successful business. He has also overseen the expansion of the ranch's tourism operations.
Richard K. King is a respected figure in the ranching industry. He is a strong advocate for the industry, and he is committed to the preservation of the King Ranch legacy.
Founded in 1853
The King Ranch was founded in 1853 by Richard King, a cattleman from New York.
- Location:
The ranch is located in South Texas, in the counties of Kleberg, Kenedy, and Willacy.
- Original size:
The ranch originally consisted of 150,000 acres.
- Expansion:
Over the years, the ranch was expanded to over 1 million acres.
- Reason for founding:
Richard King founded the ranch to raise cattle.
The King Ranch has been in operation for over 160 years, and it is one of the largest and most successful ranches in the United States. It is a major economic driver for South Texas, and it provides jobs for thousands of people. It is also a popular tourist destination, and visitors come from all over the world to see the ranch and its many attractions.
Founder: Richard King
Richard King was the founder of the King Ranch. He was born in New York in 1825, and he moved to Texas in 1846.
- Early life:
King was raised on a farm in New York. He learned about ranching from his father, who was a cattleman.
- Move to Texas:
In 1846, King moved to Texas with his family. He started a cattle ranching business, and he quickly became one of the most successful ranchers in the state.
- Founding of the King Ranch:
In 1853, King purchased the land that would become the King Ranch. He started the ranch with a herd of 1,000 cattle.
- Legacy:
King died in 1885, but his legacy lives on. The King Ranch is still one of the largest and most successful ranches in the United States, and it is a major economic driver for South Texas.
Richard King was a visionary businessman, and he was a pioneer in the ranching industry. He is credited with helping to develop the Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle, and he is also known for his innovative ranching practices.
Location: South Texas
The King Ranch is located in South Texas, in the counties of Kleberg, Kenedy, and Willacy. The ranch is situated in a region known for its vast grasslands and mild climate, which are ideal for raising cattle.
The King Ranch is a major economic driver for South Texas. It provides jobs for thousands of people and supports a variety of businesses in the region. The ranch is also a popular tourist destination, and visitors come from all over the world to see the ranch and its many attractions.
The King Ranch is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, javelinas, and wild turkeys. The ranch is also a popular hunting destination, and hunters come from all over the world to hunt on the ranch.
The King Ranch is a beautiful and historic place. It is a reminder of the early days of ranching in Texas, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the King family.
The King Ranch is a major part of the South Texas landscape, and it is a source of pride for the people of the region. The ranch is a reminder of the rich history of ranching in Texas, and it is a symbol of the continued importance of agriculture in the state.
Size: Over 825,000 acres
The King Ranch is over 825,000 acres in size, making it one of the largest ranches in the United States. The ranch is larger than the state of Rhode Island, and it is about the same size as the country of Singapore.
The King Ranch is divided into several divisions, each of which has its own unique purpose. There are divisions for cattle ranching, horse breeding, and farming. There is also a division for wildlife management, and a division for tourism.
The King Ranch is home to a variety of livestock, including cattle, horses, and sheep. The ranch also has a large population of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, javelinas, and wild turkeys.
The King Ranch is a major economic driver for South Texas. It provides jobs for thousands of people and supports a variety of businesses in the region. The ranch is also a popular tourist destination, and visitors come from all over the world to see the ranch and its many attractions.
The King Ranch is a vast and beautiful property. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the King family, and it is a reminder of the importance of agriculture in Texas.
Economic driver for South Texas
The King Ranch is a major economic driver for South Texas. It provides jobs for thousands of people and supports a variety of businesses in the region.
- Employment:
The King Ranch employs over 1,000 people, making it one of the largest employers in South Texas.
- Business support:
The King Ranch supports a variety of businesses in the region, including feed stores, hardware stores, and restaurants.
- Tourism:
The King Ranch is a popular tourist destination, and visitors come from all over the world to see the ranch and its many attractions. This tourism generates revenue for businesses in the region.
- Taxes:
The King Ranch pays taxes to local and state governments. These taxes help to fund public services in the region.
The King Ranch is a major contributor to the economy of South Texas. It provides jobs, supports businesses, and generates revenue for local and state governments. The ranch is a vital part of the economic fabric of the region.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the King Ranch:
Question 1: Who owns the King Ranch?
Answer: The majority of shares in the King Ranch are owned by the descendants of Richard King, the founder of the ranch.
Question 2: Who is the current manager of the King Ranch?
Answer: Richard K. King, the great-grandson of the founder, is the current manager of the King Ranch.
Question 3: Where is the King Ranch located?
Answer: The King Ranch is located in South Texas, in the counties of Kleberg, Kenedy, and Willacy.
Question 4: How big is the King Ranch?
Answer: The King Ranch is over 825,000 acres in size, making it one of the largest ranches in the United States.
Question 5: What is the King Ranch known for?
Answer: The King Ranch is known for its cattle ranching, horse breeding, and wildlife management. It is also a popular tourist destination.
Question 6: How does the King Ranch contribute to the economy of South Texas?
Answer: The King Ranch is a major economic driver for South Texas. It provides jobs for thousands of people and supports a variety of businesses in the region.
Question 7: Can I visit the King Ranch?
Answer: Yes, the King Ranch offers guided tours to the public. Visitors can learn about the history of the ranch, see the livestock, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Closing Paragraph:
The King Ranch is a historic and iconic ranch in South Texas. It is a major economic driver for the region and a popular tourist destination. The ranch is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the King family, and it is a reminder of the importance of agriculture in Texas.
If you are planning a visit to the King Ranch, be sure to book your tour in advance. Tours are available year-round, but they are especially popular during the spring and fall.
Tips
Here are a few tips for visitors to the King Ranch:
Tip 1: Book your tour in advance.
Tours of the King Ranch are popular, so it is important to book your tour in advance. You can book a tour online or by calling the ranch.
Tip 2: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
You will be doing a lot of walking on your tour of the King Ranch, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. You may also want to bring a hat and sunscreen, as it can get very hot in South Texas.
Tip 3: Bring your camera.
The King Ranch is a beautiful place, so you will want to bring your camera to capture all the sights. You may see cattle, horses, wildlife, and historic buildings.
Tip 4: Ask questions.
Your tour guide will be happy to answer any questions you have about the King Ranch. Be sure to ask about the history of the ranch, the livestock, and the wildlife.
Closing Paragraph:
By following these tips, you can make the most of your visit to the King Ranch. You will learn about the history of the ranch, see the livestock and wildlife, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The King Ranch is a fascinating and historic place. It is a must-see for anyone visiting South Texas.
Conclusion
The King Ranch is a vast and historic ranch in South Texas. It is one of the largest ranches in the United States, and it is a major economic driver for the region.
The ranch was founded in 1853 by Richard King, a cattleman from New York. King was a visionary businessman, and he quickly expanded the ranch to over 1 million acres. He also introduced new breeds of cattle to the ranch, and he helped to develop the Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle.
The King Ranch is still owned and operated by the King family. Richard K. King, the great-grandson of the founder, is the current manager of the ranch. The ranch is home to a variety of livestock, including cattle, horses, and sheep. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, javelinas, and wild turkeys.
The King Ranch is a popular tourist destination. Visitors come from all over the world to see the ranch and its many attractions. The ranch offers guided tours, and visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, fishing, and hunting.
Closing Message:
The King Ranch is a reminder of the rich history of ranching in Texas. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the King family, and it is a symbol of the continued importance of agriculture in the state.