The 96 Ranch

Cattlemen began settling Mitchell County in the late 1870s, before the arrival of businessmen and farmers. This marker stands on one of the area's important early ranches, the 96 Ranch, founded by James Durham Wulfjen (1845-1933). Wulfjen was a merchant in Round Rock before he visited Mitchell County in 1884.

Inspired by the booming ranch economy, he filed on three sections of land, brought in a herd of cattle. And built a cabin near the Colorado River at the site of an old buffalo hunter's camp. He then persuaded his wife Mary Jane (Cocreham) (1854-1950) to give up the comforts of town life and settle on an isolated ranch.

On March 11, 1885, at the Mitchell County Courthouse, Wulfjen registered the "96" brand, still used by his descendants. He and his sons increased the size of the ranch to 19 sections (12,160 acres), on which they raised fine Durham cattle and saddle horses. The land is still owned by various members of the family.

The Wulfjens helped build a school and church at nearby Seven Wells and contributed to the stability of the ranching frontier. To provide education for their six children and others in the area, they donated funds for schools in Mitchell and Scurry Counties. (1976)