Morris Ranch - Texas Ghost Town

MORRIS RANCH

NAME: Morris Ranch
COUNTY: Gillespie
ROADS: 2WD
GRID: 3
CLIMATE: Warm winter, hot summer
BEST TIME TO VISIT:Winter, spring, fall

COMMENTS: Post office was discontinued in 1954.
REMAINS: Some very nicely preserved buildings.

No other ghost town in Texas has a history such as Morris Ranch. What makes it special is the only purpose for the town's existence-the breeding and training of thoroughbred racehorses. It began in 1856 when a Francis Morris purchased 23,000 acres about twelve miles southwest of Fredericksburg. Francis Morris died in 1886 and his son, John A. Morris, continued the work started by his father. By the early 1890s, Morris Ranch had become a self-sufficient community dedicated to the care and training of horses. Events over which the owners had no control caused the demise of Morris Ranch. During the 1890s, numerous states enacted laws curtailing horse racing that radically affected Morris Ranch. The family decided to end their operation in Texas in 1902 and sold most of the land bought in 1856. However, many of the beautiful century-old buildings remain to mark a town unique in Texas history. SUBMITTED BY: Henry Chenoweth

No other ghost town in Texas has a history such as Morris Ranch. What makes it special is the only purpose for the town's existence-the breeding and training of thoroughbred racehorses. It began in 1856 when a Francis Morris purchased 23,000 acres about twelve miles southwest of Fredericksburg. Francis Morris died in 1886 and his son, John A. Morris, continued the work started by his father. By the early 1890s, Morris Ranch had become a self-sufficient community dedicated to the care and training of horses. Events over which the owners had no control caused the demise of Morris Ranch. During the 1890s, numerous states enacted laws curtailing horse racing that radically affected Morris Ranch. The family decided to end their operation in Texas in 1902 and sold most of the land bought in 1856. However, many of the beautiful century-old buildings remain to mark a town unique in Texas history. SUBMITTED BY: Henry Chenoweth

BACK