In 1541 the Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Coronado traveled through what is now the West Texas plains seeking riches in the fabled Seven Cities of Cibola. More travelers followed, bringing cattle and settlements, many settlers claimed large tracts of land, which developed into huge ranching enterprises such as the Llano, the Square and Compass and the OS Ranch. In 1884 Mr. A.J. Long, rancher and cattle owner in what is now West Texas, began buying more land and increasing his herd. Through his efforts, the OS Ranch was born. In 1901 John Scarborough, E.W. Clark and Fort Worth Banker Wilson E. Connell bought the OS Ranch. In 1909 Connell bought his partners’ interest and became the sole owner of the OS.

An exciting new era dawned in the region on July 5, 1906. At the ranch that day appeared a distinguished visitor. An energetic industrialist from Battle Creek, Michigan had turned his attention to West Texas. His name was C.W. Post. He had already made a vast fortune out of a coffee substitute he called Postum. In March of 1907, Post began to build a model town in Garza County. Post believed in people and focused his philanthropy on projects where men could help themselves. The City of Post was to be the reality of his American dream. Post purchased 27,175 acres of OS Ranch land from Connell and his partners in order to build what is now Post, Texas.

In 1972 the OS Ranch was host to another historic event – the first annual OS Ranch Steer Roping and Art Sale. The ranch began the steer roping event in 1971 to help raise funds for the West Texas Boys’ Ranch. The following year Tom Ryan, who is a member of the Cowboy Artists of America and lives in West Texas, convinced the OS Ranch to add an art sale to complete the already wonderful event. The Art Sale was a success for the next twelve years and drew audiences from all over the country to see top Western Artists and Cowboys.

The OS Ranch has been important to the history of Post and Garza County, Texas. Currently, the OS Ranch is still owned and operated by the children and grandchildren of W.E. Connell.

WE’RE GLAD YOU CAME
Our exhibits change approximately three times yearly, so there’s always something new in the gallery.

The OS Ranch Foundation was created by Giles C. McCrary and family. The museum was built to house the art and artifact collection they have gathered around the world. The gallery is located in the room that was designed as the meeting room for the community, here in the building C.W. Post built in 1911, to house the offices of his Land and Cattle Company.

We are pleased to tell you, the museum is a non-profit organization, we ask no fees, and is supported by the OS Foundation.

The museum is in position to accept your donations, and has its 501 © 3 in place, which makes the donation tax deductible for the donor.

We hope you enjoyed your visit to the Museum. Please tell your friends and neighbors about us. Better yet, bring them with you next time you visit.