. . . That was the total size of The Ritchey Ranch’s operation at its zenith. Over 100 commercial cows, more than 300 stocker calves, a “farrow to finish” hog enterprise, white tailed deer herd, brood mares as well as a training ground for the winner of the million-dollar California Faberge Futurity all were managed right here on The Ranch.

            Its early history brought a young Army Captain and his new bride to Bryan. In March, 1953, Dr. William Howard Ritchey along with his wife, Mary, and the Texas Veterans Land Board made a deal. For $10,000, William and Mary moved from San Antonio to a tract of land in the M.A. Foster League in Brazos County, Texas. Dr. Ritchey bought five head of Angus cattle. Eventually, he added more cattle and a bull and put his son, George D. Ritchey, pretty much in charge of it all.

            In 1960, Dr. Ritchey (lovingly known as “Papa Ritchey”) moved The Farmhouse from South Main Street in the Original Townsite of Bryan to its present location here at The Ranch. The current six-acre lake was originally a series of gullies and washouts. With the help of the Texas Soil Conservation Service, the lake was created. Many a trophy bass have been hooked in this body of water.

            In 1979, George married Marilyn “Kay” Ottea. Their daughter, Mary Kathryn, was born on August 12, 1988 and still live on The Ranch.

            Shortly after Mary Kathryn’s birth, Mama Ritchey passed away. George kept working on The Ranch until Papa Ritchey departed from this life in 1996. Since that time, over 500 acres was sold for development except for the current 100 acres. Family gatherings continued until Papa Ritchey’s passing away.

            In 1997, George and Kay traded assets in the Ritchey Estate with George’s siblings to gain ownership of The Ritchey Ranch. Today, The Ritchey Ranch’s traditions of family, hospitality and pleasure are still carried on at this country paradise now known as The Ritchey Ranch Bed & Breakfast.