Figure 2 Ranch

The lands which now lie within the boundaries of the Figure 2 Ranch were occupied in the 19th century by nomadic Native American tribes. One of the last battles between Texas Rangers and Apaches Indians occurred in the mountains west of this site in 1881. James Monroe Daugherty (18501942), who came to Texas from Missouri as a small child in 1851, served as a Confederate express rider at age 14. Following the Civil War he returned home to Denton County and became interested in the cattle business. He participated in numerous cattle drives and by 1872 purchased his first ranch. He was a charter member of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. As his empire grew, Daugherty acquired additional ranches in several states. In 1890 he purchased land here and founded the Figure 2 Ranch. Taking up residence here by 1905, he was active in local politics and served as one of Culberson County's first commissioners upon its creation in 1911. Due to his failing health, Daugherty sold the Figure 2 Ranch in 1933 to legendary millionaire businessman James Marion West, Sr. (1871-1941) of Houston. Although West did not live at the ranch, he visited often and the property remained in his family until 1992.

Figure 2 Ranch is a historical marker in Van Horn, Culberson County, dedicated in 1993. It is one of 11 historical markers documented in Culberson County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 18 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.4621, -104.8447 near Van Horn. The nearest cataloged historic site is Guadalupe Peak (historical marker), about 27 miles away. Others within a short drive include Presbyterian Church, Culberson County Jail, and Van Horn Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5109007936. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.