Freeman Ranch History

The Freeman Brothers

San Marcos and Hays County

Prehistoric Times

Spanish Rule

Early Anglo-American Settlement through Civil War

Late 19th Century-Early 20th Century

The Depression Era through World War II

Present Day Operation

History of Freeman Ranch from Those Who Lived It
(Oral History)

Rufus Alexander

Dr. Amy Freeman Lee

Robert Nance

Ofelia Philo

Present Day Operation

Freeman Ranch has been a part of Southwest Texas State University since 1985. Mr. Harry Freeman of San Antonio named SWT active co-trustee and Frost Bank of San Antonio inactive co-trustee of the ranch, approximately 3,500 acres of land west of San Marcos. In accordance with Mr. Freeman's will, responsibility for operation of the ranch passed to the university.

The ranch serves as an educational laboratory where classes are taught and research is conducted by SWT faculty and students. In addition the ranch is used to demonstrate the concept of a working Hill Country ranch.

The Ranch House is also a part of the Freeman Ranch complex, where some 100 different programs involving more than
3,500 people visit on an annual basis.


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