Will Rogers Stampede

The Four Sixes Ranch: An American Legacy

In This Article

The vast expanse of West Texas has long been home to dreamers and pioneers, but few have left a legacy as enduring as that of the Four Sixes Ranch. Spanning nearly half a million acres across the Texas landscape, the ranch's iconic "6666" brand has become synonymous with excellence in ranching, horsemanship, and land stewardship. But behind the legendary brand lies a story of determination, innovation, and five generations of careful stewardship that transformed a modest cattle operation into one of America's most celebrated ranches.

A Young Man's Vision

The story begins in 1870 with a 19-year-old Samuel "Burk" Burnett, who would later be known as one of Texas's greatest cattlemen. Born in Missouri in 1849 and brought to Texas by his family in 1857, young Burnett had already cut his teeth in the cattle business. By age 17, he was driving his father's herds to Kansas, and by 19, he had become a trail boss – a remarkable achievement for someone so young.

It was at this pivotal moment that Burnett made the decision that would shape his destiny. With savings from his work as a trail boss, he purchased 100 head of cattle from Frank Crowley near Denton Creek. These cattle bore a distinctive brand: "6666." Contrary to popular legend, which claims Burnett won the ranch in a poker game with four sixes, the truth is more straightforward but no less remarkable. The young rancher saw potential in that brand – difficult to alter with a running iron, it offered protection against cattle rustlers in an era when theft was rampant.

Surviving the Lean Years

The 1870s proved to be a crucible that tested Burnett's mettle as a rancher. Faced with devastating droughts that threatened to destroy everything he had built, Burnett demonstrated the innovative thinking that would become his hallmark. Rather than watching his cattle die on parched Texas grasslands, he made the bold decision to move his herds to Indian Territory in Oklahoma, negotiating grazing leases with Native American tribes.

This move led to one of the most significant relationships in Burnett's life – his friendship with Comanche Chief Quanah Parker. Together, they negotiated grazing leases for 300,000 acres of grassland, a partnership that not only saved Burnett's cattle operation but also established a model of cooperation between ranchers and Native Americans. The friendship between Burnett and Parker would last a lifetime, symbolized by the personal items Parker and his wives gifted to Burnett, which remained in the ranch house until 2002.

Building an Empire

By 1900, Burnett's operation had grown substantially, and he made perhaps his most significant acquisition: purchasing the land that would become the heart of the Four Sixes Ranch from the Louisville Land and Cattle Company. The ranch's footprint expanded to include both the main section near Guthrie and the Dixon Creek section in the Texas Panhandle.

In 1917, Burnett embarked on an ambitious project that would become a symbol of his success – the construction of "the finest ranch house in West Texas" at Guthrie. Built with stone quarried directly from the ranch and materials transported by rail car to Paducah before being hauled by wagon to Guthrie, the $100,000 mansion was a testament to Burnett's vision and success. The three-story rock home, with its 13 bedrooms, 13 baths, and multiple fireplaces, would host such luminaries as President Theodore Roosevelt and Will Rogers.

Yet Burnett himself, in a characteristic display of humility, preferred to sleep in the back room of the Four Sixes Supply House, where he kept his office. This detail speaks volumes about the man who built an empire but never forgot his roots as a working cattleman.

The Oil Boom and Beyond

Just as Burnett had demonstrated uncanny timing in his cattle operations, fortune smiled on the Four Sixes again in 1921 with the discovery of oil near Dixon Creek. This newfound wealth allowed for significant investments in infrastructure and modernization, setting the stage for the ranch's continued success through the 20th century.

A Family Legacy

When Burnett passed away in 1922, he left behind more than just a successful ranching operation – he had created an institution that would be shepherded through the decades by generations of capable stewards. His granddaughter, Anne Valliant Burnett Tandy, inherited the ranch and proved to be a worthy successor. Known simply as "Miss Anne," she was recognized for her exceptional knowledge of cattle, horses, and fine art. Under her leadership, the Four Sixes expanded its operations and particularly its horse breeding program.

Miss Anne's passion for Quarter Horses would prove transformative for the ranch. She introduced champions like Grey Badger II and Hollywood Gold, establishing the foundation for what would become one of the most respected horse breeding programs in the country. In 1978, she established the Burnett Foundation, ensuring that the ranch's success would benefit various charitable causes, including ranching education and museums.

The legacy continued with Anne Burnett Windfohr Marion, Burnett's great-granddaughter, who inherited the ranch in 1980. Like her predecessors, she combined business acumen with a deep love for ranching tradition. During her tenure, the horse division expanded further with the addition of legendary stallions like Dash For Cash, Streakin Six, and Special Effort. Marion's commitment to excellence earned her induction into the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum's Hall of Great Westerners in 2009, an honor she shared with her great-grandfather, grandfather, and mother.

Excellence in Operations

Throughout its history, the Four Sixes has maintained an unwavering commitment to quality in every aspect of its operations. The ranch's cattle program evolved with the times, transitioning from Longhorns to Durhams to Herefords, and finally to Angus cattle. Today, the ranch maintains a herd of approximately 4,000-4,300 cows, several hundred replacement heifers, and around 200 bulls.

The horse division has become equally renowned, offering state-of-the-art reproductive services and standing some of the most respected Quarter Horse stallions in the industry. The ranch's dedication to excellence was recognized with the American Quarter Horse Association's "Best Remuda Award" in 1993.

Land stewardship has always been a cornerstone of the ranch's philosophy. The Four Sixes maintains an extensive water management system, including 119 pastures with solar wells, windmills, and an advanced filtration plant. The ranch's brush control program has significantly increased grazing capacity while maintaining wildlife habitat, demonstrating that production and conservation can go hand in hand.

A New Chapter

Following Anne Marion's passing in 2020, the Four Sixes entered a new era. The ranch was purchased by a group led by Taylor Sheridan, the creator of the television series "Yellowstone," in 2021. This transition marked the end of 150 years of Burnett family ownership but opened an exciting new chapter in the ranch's story.

Cultural Impact

The Four Sixes has left an indelible mark on American popular culture. Its iconic red barn appeared in Marlboro advertisements in the 1960s and 1970s, becoming a symbol of the American West. The ranch has been featured in films like "Mackintosh and T.J." and more recently in the television series "Yellowstone," introducing new generations to its legacy.

Artists like Tom Ryan and Mondel Rogers have captured the ranch's beauty in their paintings, and a piece of its history lives on at the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock, Texas, where one of the original Four Sixes barns stands as a testament to the ranch's historical significance.

The Legacy Continues

Today, the Four Sixes Ranch stands as much more than a successful agricultural operation. It represents the very best of American ranching tradition – a commitment to excellence, innovation, and responsible stewardship of the land. From Samuel Burk Burnett's initial purchase of 100 branded cattle to its current status as a multi-faceted agricultural enterprise, the Four Sixes has never wavered from its founding principles.

The ranch employs between 50-100 people, including approximately 20 full-time cowboys, many of whom represent second or third generations of their families to work at the Four Sixes. This continuity of experience and dedication speaks to the ranch's role not just as a business, but as a community and a way of life.

Under its new ownership, the Four Sixes continues to build on its legacy while adapting to modern challenges. The ranch's commitment to sustainable land management, superior livestock breeding, and preservation of western heritage ensures that the iconic "6666" brand will continue to represent excellence in American ranching for generations to come.

As the sun sets over the vast Texas landscape, casting long shadows across the same fields where Samuel Burk Burnett once drove his first herd, the Four Sixes Ranch stands as a living monument to the American ranching tradition. It reminds us that with vision, determination, and respect for the land, a young man's dream can grow into a legacy that spans centuries.

Through the decades, the Four Sixes Ranch has marked its journey with pivotal moments that shaped not just the ranch's future, but the evolution of American ranching itself. From Samuel Burk Burnett's initial cattle purchase to the modern-day transition under Taylor Sheridan's leadership, each milestone tells a story of adaptation, growth, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Below are the key moments that transformed a young man's dream into one of America's most iconic ranches:

Key Historical Milestones

The Founding Era (1868-1900)

Growth and Innovation (1900-1922)

Transition and Expansion (1932-1980)

Modern Era (1980-Present)

Four Sixes Ranch Trivia Questions

History & Origins

Q: How did the Four Sixes Ranch get its name? A: The ranch's name comes from its first cattle brand, "6666," which Samuel Burk Burnett acquired when he purchased 100 head of cattle in 1870. Contrary to popular legend, he did not win the ranch in a poker game.

Q: When was the Four Sixes Ranch founded? A: The ranch was founded in 1870 when Samuel Burk Burnett bought his first branded cattle. However, the ranch as we know it today was officially established in 1900 when Burnett purchased the land from the Louisville Land and Cattle Company.

Q: How long did the ranch stay in the Burnett family? A: The ranch remained in the Burnett family for 150 years, from 1870 until 2021, passing through five generations before being sold to a group led by Taylor Sheridan.

Size & Location

Q: How big is the Four Sixes Ranch? A: The ranch encompasses approximately 350,000 acres in King County and 108,000 acres in Carson and Hutchinson counties, totaling around 458,000 acres or 715 square miles.

Q: Where is the Four Sixes Ranch located? A: The main ranch is located near Guthrie in King County, Texas. Additional property, known as the Dixon Creek section, is located in Carson and Hutchinson counties near Panhandle, Texas.

Operations

Q: How many cattle does the ranch maintain? A: The ranch maintains approximately 4,000-4,300 cows, several hundred replacement heifers, and around 200 bulls.

Q: What kind of horses does the ranch breed? A: The ranch is known for breeding American Quarter Horses, focusing on both ranch horses and racing stock. They maintain an elite broodmare band and stand several notable stallions.

Q: How many people work at the ranch? A: The ranch employs between 50-100 people, including approximately 20 full-time cowboys. Many employees are second or third-generation workers.

Infrastructure

Q: What's special about the main ranch house? A: Built in 1917 for $100,000, the three-story rock mansion features 13 bedrooms, 13 baths, 3 powder rooms, 2 kitchens, a dining room, and 3 fireplaces. It was constructed using stone quarried from the ranch.

Q: How does the ranch manage water resources? A: The ranch has an extensive water management system including 18 solar wells, 29 windmills, 10 submersibles with 66 tubs, and approximately 120 miles of pipeline. They also operate a state-of-the-art water filtration plant.

Famous Connections

Q: Who has visited the ranch? A: Notable visitors have included President Theodore Roosevelt, Will Rogers, and Comanche Chief Quanah Parker, who was a close friend of founder Samuel Burk Burnett.

Q: How is the ranch connected to popular culture? A: The ranch has been featured in various media, including Marlboro advertisements in the 1960s-70s, the film "Mackintosh and T.J." (1975), and more recently in the TV series "Yellowstone." Its red barn is preserved at the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock.

Current Status

Q: Who owns the ranch now? A: Since 2021, the ranch has been owned by an investment group led by Taylor Sheridan, creator of the television series "Yellowstone."

Q: What was the sale price? A: While listed for $347.7 million, the ranch sold for $192.2 million in 2021.

Business Operations

Q: Does the ranch have other revenue sources besides cattle and horses? A: Yes, the ranch has oil production, operates the Four Sixes Supply House, and sells branded products including seasonings, sauces, and equine supplements.

Q: What partnerships does the ranch maintain? A: The ranch partners with 44 Farms and Walmart in the "Prime Pursuits" program for marketing all-natural cattle, among other business relationships.

Environmental Management

Q: How does the ranch manage its land? A: The ranch maintains a moderate stocking rate of about 30 acres per cow/calf pair, conducts brush control programs, and focuses on preserving native grasses and wildlife habitat.

Q: What wildlife can be found on the ranch? A: The ranch supports populations of whitetail deer, quail, dove, feral hogs, and various predator species, though commercial hunting has historically not been allowed.

Awards & Recognition

Q: What major awards has the ranch received? A: Notable awards include the American Quarter Horse Association's "Best Remuda Award" in 1993. Additionally multiple family members have been inducted into the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum's Hall of Great Westerners.

Richard Sutherland

 RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.