Recognized as the largest ranch in the United States under one fence, the 530,000 acres Waggoner Ranch was founded in the late 1800’s by Dan Waggoner and his son, W.T. Waggoner. The history of the ranching industry in Wilbarger County, the Waggoner Ranch and life on the ranch depicted in the Waggoner Room is of great interest to all visitors.
Additionally, the Electra Waggoner Biggs Exhibit delights the artistic senses with a true-to-life studio that is a replica of Electra Biggs art studio. Her works include busts of some of the leading politicians, entertainers, and military leaders of the twentieth century. This includes models of famous sculptures from Harry Truman to Will Rogers (the man who never met a stranger) and his horse Soap Suds.
When W.T. Waggoner was just a lad, he and his father set about on an adventure that would end with a ranching empire of well over 500,000 acres of Texas land, covering parts of six counties. Although this room certainly is a history lesson in ranching, it is much more. It not only tells the story of a determined father and son team and a mighty Texas family, it exhibits fine paintings and the sculpture of Electra Waggoner Biggs, hand crafted parade saddles, weapons of the plains and gifts presented to Mr. Waggoner by his long time friend, Quanah Parker, the last great chief of the Comanches. The room is presided over by the quintessential cowboy, wearing classic articles of the Texas range.. seen today as well as over 100 years ago. Come explore this storied ranch and learn about the colorful family that built it.
Thistle Hill, a book by Roze McCoy Porter about the Fort Worth home of the daughter of W. T. Waggoner, is available in the museum giftshop.
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