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The Hidden Hollywood History of our Ranch

Aug 1

2 min read

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Welcome to Williams Ranch, a legendary landscape steeped in history and natural beauty for over 68 years. Nestled deep in the Texas Hill Country, this ranch holds tales of ancient civilizations, frontier legends, and Hollywood starlets.


The story of Williams Ranch traces back to a time before Texas was even a state, where the land's value was marked by the presence of many natural springs. A fallen pecan tree beside it identifies one such spring at the main residence—perhaps a testament to the first inhabitants marking the water source that continues to supply current residents today. More evidence of the indigenous people endures in the form of arrowheads and pottery fragments scattered throughout the property.


The ranch's narrative continues through the era of Spanish land grants, situated amid the Texas-Mexico border dispute—a "no man's land" steeped in intrigue and history. The lodge itself, with a chimney dating back to 1836, stands as a silent witness to the stories embedded in its walls, leaving the family to imagine the stories that they could tell.



In 1956, a new chapter unfolded when patriarch Buck Williams and his sons acquired this sprawling 15,000-acre ranch. Originally pieced together by Texas wildcatter Glenn McCarthy (the inspiration for the movie Giant) in 1944 from old homesteads. McCarthy was known for rubbing elbows with the Hollywood elite.  He often flew in his celebrity friends to party as only the “Texas Rich" could, with tales of Marilyn Monroe purportedly swimming in the spring-fed pool. Eventually, the property passed into the hands of Munroe Wise allegedly through a wild bet. 


For the Williams family, the ranch has become a cherished retreat, offering a range of activities deeply rooted in nature and the ranching lifestyle. From leisurely stargazing nights to exhilarating jeep rides through rugged terrain, the ranch promises an escape from the hustle of modern life. Hiking expeditions, sunset picnics, and encounters with wildlife embody the essence of this landscape that has remained unchanged since its first inhabitants.


At Williams Ranch, the ethos is to trade traffic for wildlife, city lights for starlit skies, and noise pollution for the symphony of nature. It's a place to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with the timeless spirit of the Texas Hill Country. So, add your story to the vibrant legacy of Williams Ranch—a place where the spirit of Texas lives on, whispering tales of adventure and the timeless beauty of the Hill Country.


Aug 1

2 min read

0

11

0

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