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Honoring the BEAUTY
of Texas TRADITIONS
Early ranch HISTORY
Current ranch LIFE
In January of 1838, 1280 acres of beautiful Texas Hill Country land was awarded to Colonel A.B. Sweitzer in appreciation of his service to the newly formed Republic of Texas. Five years earlier, Sweitzer had settled in the territory, and within months of the Texas declaration of independence, he joined the Army of the Republic of Texas where he served first as a captain, and later as a lieutenant colonel of permanent volunteers within the force, appointed by the Republic's first president, Sam Houston. After leaving the army in 1838, Sweitzer went on to serve as a special agent to the Comanche Indians in the state and later was elected to a term as a representative for Gonzales County during the young nation's Third Congress.
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Lost in the Goliad Massacre alongside Shackelford's Red Rovers had been the brother and cousin of one William "Bigfoot" Wallace. The 6' 2", 240 pound Virginian was a descendant of Scotland's William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, and upon learning of his kinsmen's fate, he headed to Texas to exact his revenge. He fought in several exchanges in the Mexican Invasions of 1842 and eventually in the Mexican War of 1846-1848 as part of the Texas Rangers.
1850 would find Wallace captaining his own Ranger company, securing the Texas border and fighting Comanche Indians in the state all the way through the Civil War. It was during this period that Wallace was awarded a land grant for a small homestead along the Medina River. Wallace's cabin was located between what is now the front gate of the T-Anchor Ranch and Wallace Creek (named for him) that traverses the property.
Sometime prior to his death in 1841, Sweitzer sold his hill country allotment to Dr. Jack Shackelford, commander of the Red Rovers, a volunteer military company Shackelford had organized out of his hometown in Courtland, Alabama, to help those fighting for Texas independence. Prior to joining the Texas cause, Shackelford had served on Andrew Jackson's staff in the War of 1812 and was later elected to three terms in the Alabama state Senate from 1822 to 1824.
When the war broke out in Texas in the fall of 1835, Shackelford recruited volunteers to head to the front lines. The Red Rovers, named for the red jeans they wore as uniforms, joined the Lafayette Battalion under James W. Fannin at the ill-fated Battle of Coleto. While the majority of the unit survived the initial battle, they were taken prisoner along with the New Orleans Greys following Fannin's surrender to the Mexican army. All of the men were marched to Goliad under the promise that they would be well-treated and would eventually be allowed to return to their homes once the conflict was over. Santa Anna, however, ordered the execution of all Goliad prisoners some seven days later, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 342 soldiers in what has come to be known as "The Goliad Massacre."
Having lost his son and two nephews in the massacre, Dr. Shackelford was spared for his medical experience and forced to tend to the wounded of the Mexican Army until it's retreat and surrender following the Battle of San Jacinto on month later in April of 1836. Shackelford would return to his home in Alabama immediately after the war, but would return to Texas repeatedly over the course of the next 10 years, often in an effort to recruit volunteers to defend the young Republic against repeated Mexican hostilities. It was during this period the Shackelford acquired the 1280 acres in which the current T-Anchor Ranch resides.
In January of 1838, 1280 acres of beautiful Texas Hill Country land was awarded to Colonel A.B. Sweitzer in appreciation of his service to the newly formed Republic of Texas. Five years earlier, Sweitzer had settled in the territory, and within months of the Texas declaration of independence, he joined the Army of the Republic of Texas where he served first as a captain, and later as a lieutenant colonel of permanent volunteers within the force, appointed by the Republic's first president, Sam Houston. After leaving the army in 1838, Sweitzer went on to serve as a special agent to the Comanche Indians in the state and later was elected to a term as a representative for Gonzales County during the young nation's Third Congress.
Sometime prior to his death in 1841, Sweitzer sold his hill country allotment to Dr. Jack Shackelford, commander of the Red Rovers, a volunteer military company Shackelford had organized out of his hometown in Courtland, Alabama, to help those fighting for Texas independence. Prior to joining the Texas cause, Shackelford had served on Andrew Jackson's staff in the War of 1812 and was later elected to three terms in the Alabama state Senate from 1822 to 1824.
When the war broke out in Texas in the fall of 1835, Shackelford recruited volunteers to head to the front lines. The Red Rovers, named for the red jeans they wore as uniforms, joined the Lafayette Battalion under James W. Fannin at the ill-fated Battle of Coleto. While the majority of the unit survived the initial battle, they were taken prisoner along with the New Orleans Greys following Fannin's surrender to the Mexican army. All of the men were marched to Goliad under the promise that they would be well-treated and would eventually be allowed to return to their homes once the conflict was over. Santa Anna, however, ordered the execution of all Goliad prisoners some seven days later, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 342 soldiers in what has come to be known as "The Goliad Massacre."
Having lost his son and two nephews in the massacre, Dr. Shackelford was spared for his medical experience and forced to tend to the wounded of the Mexican Army until it's retreat and surrender following the Battle of San Jacinto on month later in April of 1836. Shackelford would return to his home in Alabama immediately after the war, but would return to Texas repeatedly over the course of the next 10 years, often in an effort to recruit volunteers to defend the young Republic against repeated Mexican hostilities. It was during this period the Shackelford acquired the 1280 acres in which the current T-Anchor Ranch resides.
Lost in the Goliad Massacre alongside Shackelford's Red Rovers had been the brother and cousin of one William "Bigfoot" Wallace. The 6' 2", 240 pound Virginian was a descendant of Scotland's William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, and upon learning of his kinsmen's fate, he headed to Texas to exact his revenge. He fought in several exchanges in the Mexican Invasions of 1842 and eventually in the Mexican War of 1846-1848 as part of the Texas Rangers.
1850 would find Wallace captaining his own Ranger company, securing the Texas border and fighting Comanche Indians in the state all the way through the Civil War. It was during this period that Wallace was awarded a land grant for a small homestead along the Medina River. Wallace's cabin was located between what is now the front gate of the T-Anchor Ranch and Wallace Creek (named for him) that traverses the property.
The 20th century was a time of building on the ranch. Amidst the cattle and horses that grazed in the property's generous grasslands, local river stone was used to build family homes. Remnants of early building sites dot the property, some dating back to the turn of the century.
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The current ranch house was originally known as the J.H. Autry Ranch, and was initially added to the property in the 1920s. Designed by H.C. Thorman — a prominent San Antonio architect and preservationist famous for the development of several of that city's iconic neighborhoods and credited with saving and restoring the old Spanish Governor's Palace — the 1923 house features a dramatic two-story main room and, like the earlier ranch houses, is constructed from river stone and native cedar and cypress beams harvested on site. In 1949, while the ranch was under the ownership of lifelong Medina rancher James Mayfield, what is now referred to as The Family House was added by local stonemason Hough Le Storgeon, connected to the original house by a covered patio and breezeway and doubling the size of the structure. The stone facade and red-tiled rooftops nestled amongst the surrounding live oaks and wisteria made the ranch house an area landmark.
The main house remained largely unchanged for over 50 years until country singer Charlie Robison and his wife Emily Robison, one of the founding members of the country group The Chicks (formerly The Dixie Chicks) purchased the property in 2002. Charlie Robison's family had owned a cattle ranch in nearby Bandera for over 150 years, and the couple was dedicated to honoring the land and its legacy. They continued to run cattle and horses on the property, and added a herd of Spanish goats as well. Initially the house served as a retreat for the couple, who even set up a music studio there.
One hundred years of EVOLUTION
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As the young Robison family grew, the need to update and expand the existing ranch house became unavoidable. San Antonio architect Michael Imber was brought in to renovate the home, add additional space for a family with three young children, and bring in modern amenities, like air conditioning and a modern kitchen. Imber's work is considered a triumph in restoration and renovation, earning him a 2015 Palladio Award for Sympathetic Addition.
Determined to maintain the artistry of the Thorman design, building materials were again harvested from the property and finishing details like the windows and pull door knobs were faithfully reproduced. The result was a full integrated family room and new master suite, an updated gourmet kitchen, two additional dining areas, and an entirely new bedroom wing, now serving as the Guest House.
The completed home is embraced by the breathtaking land on which it sits. Walls of paned windows and connecting breezeways integrate the historic arbors and courtyards that surround the buildings bringing the stunning beauty of the surrounding hills into the cozy and welcoming living spaces.
In 2020 the ranch was divided for sale, with the ranch house and barns residing in the 535 acre parcel that is the current T-Anchor Ranch. Austin real estate developer Bryan Cumby, a longtime lover of the Hill Country, purchased the property with the intent of creating a retreat outside the never-ending hustle of the city.
The 20th century was a time of building on the ranch. Amidst the cattle and horses that grazed in the property's generous grasslands, local river stone was used to build family homes. Remnants of early building sites dot the property, some dating back to the turn of the century.
The current ranch house was originally known as the J.H. Autry Ranch, and was initially added to the property in the 1920s. Designed by H.C. Thorman — a prominent San Antonio architect and preservationist famous for the development of several of that city's iconic neighborhoods and credited with saving and restoring the old Spanish Governor's Palace — the 1923 house features a dramatic two-story main room and, like the earlier ranch houses, is constructed from river stone and native cedar and cypress beams harvested on site. In 1949, while the ranch was under the ownership of lifelong Medina rancher James Mayfield, what is now referred to as The Family House was added by local stonemason Hough Le Storgeon, connected to the original house by a covered patio and breezeway and doubling the size of the structure. The stone facade and red-tiled rooftops nestled amongst the surrounding live oaks and wisteria made the ranch house an area landmark.
The main house remained largely unchanged for over 50 years until country singer Charlie Robison and his wife Emily Robison, one of the founding members of the country group The Chicks (formerly The Dixie Chicks) purchased the property in 2002. Charlie Robison's family had owned a cattle ranch in nearby Bandera for over 150 years, and the couple was dedicated to honoring the land and its legacy. They continued to run cattle and horses on the property, and added a herd of Spanish goats as well. Initially the house served as a retreat for the couple, who even set up a music studio there.
As the young Robison family grew, the need to update and expand the existing ranch house became unavoidable. San Antonio architect Michael Imber was brought in to renovate the home, add additional space for a family with three young children, and bring in modern amenities, like air conditioning and a modern kitchen. Imber's work is considered a triumph in restoration and renovation, earning him a 2015 Palladio Award for Sympathetic Addition.
Determined to maintain the artistry of the Thorman design, building materials were again harvested from the property and finishing details like the windows and pull door knobs were faithfully reproduced. The result was a full integrated family room and new master suite, an updated gourmet kitchen, two additional dining areas, and an entirely new bedroom wing, now serving as the Guest House. The completed home is embraced by the breathtaking land on which it sits. Walls of paned windows and connecting breezeways integrate the historic arbors and courtyards that surround the buildings bringing the stunning beauty of the surrounding hills into the cozy and welcoming living spaces.
In 2020 the ranch was divided for sale, with the ranch house and barns residing in the 535 acre parcel that is the current T-Anchor Ranch. Austin real estate developer Bryan Cumby, a longtime lover of the Hill Country, purchased the property with the intent of creating a family retreat outside the never-ending hustle of the city.
Today the ranch is primarily used as a retreat for four generations of Cumbys, their friends, and extended family. With two high school age children active in Scouting, Young Life, school athletics, and other school activities, the T-Anchor has hosted dozens of youth-focused activities in the past five years. Holidays are also a busy time at the ranch, as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins frequently enjoy large family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas. And the recent arrival of the first of the youngest Cumby generation guarantees the ranch is sure to be the site of hundreds of family celebrations yet to come.
To better accommodate these large groups of visitors, the family spent two years completely renovating the barn and bunk houses and a adding catering kitchen off the back of the main bunkhouse. Horseshoe pits, a rifle and pistol range, and a sporting clay range were also constructed to provide additional options for ranch-style entertainment. The main room of the 1923 House has been converted to a Game Room, and a number of outdoor gathering spots have been created across the property for hosting cookouts, stargazing parties, tent camping, and campfire sing-alongs.
Based on the overwhelmingly positive reactions their guests have had to their experiences on the ranch, the Cumby family has decided to open T-Anchor's gates to others who are looking for the perfect place for their group to relax, recharge, and reconnect with this land the family is so proud to care for. They would love to share the majestic beauty of this hidden gem with those seeking a true Texas retreat.
Raised with a deep respect for the history of the state and the part his family played in its early settlements, Cumby is committed to the responsible stewardship of some of its most beautiful land. Waterways have been debrided, fences repaired, and stables upgraded. Quarterhorses and cattle have been reintroduced to the ranch, and staff work closely with Texas Parks and Wildlife to best manage the deer, antelope, rabbits, turkeys, and wild boars that also call the valley home.
In addition, Cumby has compiled a stunning collection of Texas and Western artwork and artifacts displayed throughout the property. The history of the Texas Republic, the pride of the native peoples, and the spirit of the Western settlers are all captured in the paintings, sculptures, and documents that have been meticulously gathered from across the state and the country offering guests first hand accounts and artistic renderings of the people and events that settled and shaped the Lone Star State.
Cumby, a sixth generation Texan and a lifetime member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, traces his Texas roots back to some of the earliest days of the Republic when Cumby ancestor, John Beeman and his wife Emily migrated from Illinois by ox wagon to settle in the new country where he had purchased a land grant of 640 acres. Beeman initially settled at Bird's Fort in North Texas, where he would serve as a Texas Ranger for a year before being recruited by John Neely Bryan to help settle a new town called Dallas. Beeman moved his family and claimed a homestead along White Rock Creek around the area that is now Fair Park. The Beeman's became known as the First Family of Dallas, and it was John who in 1846 traveled to the first legislature of the newly annexed State of Texas to have Dallas declared a county.
Cumby, a sixth generation Texan and a lifetime member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, traces his Texas roots back to some of the earliest days of the Republic when Cumby ancestor, John Beeman and his wife Emily migrated from Illinois by ox wagon to settle in the new country where he had purchased a land grant of 640 acres. Beeman initially settled at Bird's Fort in North Texas, where he would serve as a Texas Ranger for a year before being recruited by John Neely Bryan to help settle a new town called Dallas. Beeman moved his family and claimed a homestead along White Rock Creek around the area that is now Fair Park. The Beeman's became known as the First Family of Dallas, and it was John who in 1846 traveled to the first legislature of the newly annexed State of Texas to have Dallas declared a county.
Raised with a deep respect for the history of the state and the part their family played in its early settlements, the Cumby family is committed to the responsible stewardship of some of its most beautiful land. Waterways have been debrided, fences repaired, and stables upgraded. Quarterhorses and cattle have been reintroduced to the ranch, and staff work closely with Texas Parks and Wildlife to best manage the deer, antelope, rabbits, turkeys, and wild boars that also call the valley home.
Today the ranch is primarily used as a retreat for four generations of Cumbys, their friends, and extended family. With two high school age children active in Scouting, Young Life, school athletics, and other school activities, the T-Anchor has hosted dozens of youth-focused activities in the past five years. Holidays are also a busy time at the ranch, as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins frequently enjoy large family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas. And the recent arrival of the first of the youngest Cumby generation guarantees the ranch is sure to be the site of hundreds of family celebrations yet to come.
To better accommodate these large groups of visitors, the family spent two years completely renovating the barn and bunk houses and a adding catering kitchen off the back of the main bunkhouse. Horseshoe pits, a rifle and pistol range, and a sporting clay range were also constructed to provide additional options for ranch-style entertainment. The main room of the 1923 House has been converted to a Game Room, and a number of outdoor gathering spots have been created across the property for hosting cookouts, stargazing parties, tent camping, and campfire sing-alongs.
Based on the overwhelmingly positive reactions their guests have had to their experiences on the ranch, the Cumby family has decided to open T-Anchor's gates to others who are looking for the perfect place for their group to relax, recharge, and reconnect with this land the family is so proud to care for. They would love to share the majestic beauty of this hidden gem with those seeking a true Texas retreat.
T-Anchor GIVING
In addition, the Cumby family are longtime supporters of Scouting America. They are proud members of the Tom Wooten Society and donate to the Friends of Scouting annually. With two Eagle Scouts (and a soon-to-be third) in the family, it is no surprise that since purchasing the T-Anchor in 2020, the family has hosted annual camping weekends for multiple area scout troops, and the Horsemanship Merit Badge course is offered on the ranch several times a year.
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The T-Anchor is proud to sponsor a variety of events benefiting youth organizations across the state of Texas. Over the past 15 years, the ranch has partnered with the Texas Youth Hunting Program to host 3 - 4 youth hunts a year. These events provide opportunities for young men and women in the state to spend a weekend in the country, participate in firearm safety courses, and learn about the role hunting plays in responsible wildlife management.
The ranch has also been opened to the Young Life organization to host leadership retreats. Last year, for the first time, exclusive use of the ranch was auctioned off as part of Young Life's fundraising efforts, and the Cumby's have agreed to make this an annual occurrence.
The Cumby family and the T-Anchor Ranch are proud members of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the oldest livestock association in the state, dating back to its founding in 1877. The organization represents over 50,000 individuals directly involved in the ranching and beef production of over 4 million head of cattle across 76 million acres of ranch land.
They also hold membership in the Texas Quarter Horse Association, the largest American Quarter Horse Association affiliate. The TQHA promotes and encourages ownership of the American Quarter Horse and offers programs for youth, amateur, and professional horsemen across the state. They are dedicated to the humane treatment of these amazing animals, working to ensure they are always treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.Finally, the T-Anchor Ranch is a supporter of the Median Volunteer Fire Department, making annual contributions to the first responders who keep watch over the people, homes, and ranches, that make up this central Texas community.
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The T-Anchor is proud to sponsor a variety of events benefiting youth organizations across the state of Texas. Over the past 15 years, the ranch has partnered with the Texas Youth Hunting Program to host 3 - 4 youth hunts a year. These events provide opportunities for young men and women in the state to spend a weekend in the country, participate in firearm safety courses, and learn about the role hunting plays in responsible wildlife management.
In addition, the Cumby family are longtime supporters of Scouting America. They are proud members of the Tom Wooten Society and donate to the Friends of Scouting annually. With two Eagle Scouts (and a soon-to-be third) in the family, it is no surprise that since purchasing the T-Anchor in 2020, the family has hosted annual camping weekends for multiple area scout troops, and the Horsemanship Merit Badge course is offered on the ranch several times a year.
The ranch has also been opened to the Young Life organization to host leadership retreats. Last year, for the first time, exclusive use of the ranch was auctioned off as part of Young Life's fundraising efforts, and the Cumby's have agreed to make this an annual occurrence.
The Cumby family and the T-Anchor Ranch are proud members of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the oldest livestock association in the state, dating back to its founding in 1877. The organization represents over 50,000 individuals directly involved in the ranching and beef production of over 4 million head of cattle across 76 million acres of ranch land.
They also hold membership in the Texas Quarter Horse Association, the largest American Quarter Horse Association affiliate. The TQHA promotes and encourages ownership of the American Quarter Horse and offers programs for youth, amateur, and professional horsemen across the state. They are dedicated to the humane treatment of these amazing animals, working to ensure they are always treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Finally, the T-Anchor Ranch is a supporter of the Median Volunteer Fire Department, making annual contributions to the first responders who keep watch over the people, homes, and ranches, that make up this central Texas community.
It’s a privilege for our family to be the stewards of this historic property in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. It’s our hope that through sharing the legacy of this ranch with others we will foster greater awareness and respect for Texas history, western culture, and ranching as a way of life.
BRYAN CUMBY
Owner
T-Anchor Ranch
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