Taylor-Stevenson Ranch facts for kids
| Established | 1875 |
|---|---|
| Type | Historical |
The Taylor-Stevenson Ranch is a historic 640-acre working ranch. It is located near NRG Stadium on Almeda Road in Houston, Texas. This ranch has a special honor. It was named a "Texas Century Ranch" by the Congressional Record. This means the same family has owned it for over 100 years. It is also the only African-American owned ranch in Texas with this special title.
The ranch was first bought in 1875 by Edward Ruthven Taylor. He was encouraged by Ann George, who had been a former slave of his family. Ann helped care for Edward when he was sick. They fell in love and lived together as husband and wife. However, they could not officially marry. At that time, it was against Texas law for people of different races to marry. They raised six children, and all of them went to college.
Later, their granddaughter, Mollie Taylor Stevenson Sr. (1911-2003), became very famous. She graduated from Fisk University. Her daughter, Mollie Taylor Stevenson Jr. (born 1946), attended Texas Southern University. In 2001, both women were honored. They were inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. They were the first living African-American women to receive this honor.
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The Ranch's Beginnings: A Story of Love and Land
In 1862, Edward Taylor was 16 years old. He joined a group called Waul's Legion in the Confederate States Army. Edward was captured during the Siege of Vicksburg. While he was a prisoner, he became very ill with tuberculosis. After he was released from prison, he went home. His parents, Aaroline and Edward Wyllys Taylor, lived in Houston.
Ann George was a 21-year-old black woman. She was asked to take care of young Edward. She helped him get well again. Over time, Edward and Ann fell in love. During the Civil War, it was illegal for people of different races to marry in Texas. It was also dangerous for them to live together. But Edward and Ann chose to live openly as husband and wife.
In 1875, Ann convinced Edward to buy land south of Houston. This land is now known as the Taylor-Stevenson Ranch. They planned to grow hay, raise animals, and farm the land. They had six children. All of their children were among the first African Americans in Texas to get a college education.
Oil Discovery and Innovation
Many years after they bought the land, Edward found oil beneath it. By 1921, an oil well was drilled by Hugh Roy Cullen. This area became known as the Pierce Junction field. This drilling also led to an important invention. The Hughes Tool Company designed a new drill bit. This new bit could drill through hard rock.
Sky Ranch Flying Service
In 1946, a special flying service opened on the ranch. It was called the Sky Ranch Flying Service. It was started by Azellia White, Hulon "Pappy" White, Ben Stevenson, and Elton "Ray" Thomas. Ben Stevenson, Elton Thomas, and Hulon White were all Tuskegee airmen. These were brave African-American military pilots. Azellia White was also very important. She was the first African-American woman to get her private pilot's license in Texas.
The Sky Ranch Flying Service taught people how to fly. They also offered special flights. It was a commercial airport used by African-American pilots. It had three runways, each up to 2,200 feet long. The service later closed. This happened because of new rules about using the G.I. Bill, which meant fewer customers.
The American Cowboy Museum: Celebrating Western History
The American Cowboy Museum is located right on the Taylor-Stevenson Ranch. Mollie Taylor Stevenson Jr. started this museum in 1988. The museum teaches visitors about the history and culture of the Western United States. It especially focuses on the important contributions of African Americans, Hispanic people, Native Americans, and women.
Inside the museum, you can see many interesting things. There are fine art pieces, posters, and old papers. You can also see historic photographs of the ranch. Other exhibits show real cowboy gear. This includes saddles, spurs, hats, chaps, and boots. Outside, you can see old ranch equipment. This includes tractors, plows, and other farming tools.
