Richard King

Richard King was an American rancher who established the King Ranch in southeastern Texas. This ranch, one of the largest in the United States, encompasses approximately 825,000 acres. King, a steamboat captain, was drawn to Texas during the Mexican War and later purchased land that became the foundation of his vast cattle, sheep, and horse empire. After his death, the King Ranch continued to expand, developing the Santa Gertrudis cattle breed and engaging in oil and gas leases. The ranch also owned land internationally and served as the inspiration for Edna Ferber's novel Giant. Today, it remains a significant center for agricultural production and a National Historic Landmark.