A History in Texas Ranching

Nestled in the heart of South Texas brush country, the Rafter R Ranch continues nearly a century of family tradition. Family owned and operated since 1903, the ranch was founded by George W. West Jr. Together with his wife, Robbie Bedell West, he would see the ranch grow to a total of over 35,000 acres.

In 1944 Mr. West turned over the management of the ranch to his granddaughter, Mary Nan West. She would continue to manage the ranch until his death in 1956. After the death of her grandfather, Mrs. West assumed ownership of the ranch along with her two daughters. Mary Nan West continued to manage and live upon the ranch until her death in January of 2001.

Family and tradition are integral parts of life at the Rafter R as the next two generations of the West family prepare to take the ranch into its second century. The spirit of those who came before continues to live on today in the ranch’s management philosophy and the development of its natural resources. Almost a century of living in concert with the land and proper range management have left the Rafter R with abundant wildlife and striking natural beauty, and those who visit will have the opportunity to see the South Texas brush country at its best.

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