Get Organized, and Look at San Antonio Wedding Locations
It might not be as fun as trying on dresses and drooling over flower arrangements, but setting up good organization makes everything else related to your wedding a little easier. Getting organized early on helps with everything, from choosing the wedding party to selecting the right San Antonio wedding locations. Ideally, you’ll want to know the date and location of your wedding six months ahead of time in order to get invitations out in a timely fashion. As frightening as setting up a system may sound, remember that it’s not all paperwork and lists. Visiting various San Antonio wedding locations can be a fun way to spend a day with your beloved.
A reliable system of organization allows you to lessen the stress of planning a huge, important event. Lists are your best friends during the early stages of planning. Aside from the guest list, you’ll want a list of telephone numbers for the caterers and the location staff. Electronic or hard-copied checklists help you keep track of the various tasks that go into scheduling the events leading up to your special day. Some prefer a thick notebook, others prefer online programs or smartphone apps; either format provides a solid base to return to for verification on what has and hasn’t been done.
Once the work of organizing is complete, it’s time to set the date at your chosen venue. San Antonio wedding locations need to know what season of year you wish to get married. This is especially important for couples that are interested in holding an outdoor wedding. Any season but winter is usually best, though late spring and early summer are incredibly popular. Gallagher Headquarters can help you pick the date for your outdoor wedding by telling you which days we have open on or near your chosen day.
Getting the venue booked helps you stay organized and on-track with the rest of your preparations. Gallagher Headquarters is one of the most beautiful San Antonio wedding locations. Just give our friendly staff a call for help on setting the date, and get your weddings plans started!
Ranch Wedding Venues Create Unique Memories
Ranch wedding venues bring the beauty of nature and the timeless feel of history to your celebration. The Gallagher Headquarters recognizes that couples in search of ranch wedding venues are looking for something unique as the setting for their special day. The grounds at the Gallagher provide a timeless backdrop for a truly stunning outdoor wedding.
Ranch wedding venues differ from your standard outdoor spot. These types of venues come with their own histories and unique structures that can set your wedding apart from the garden-variety outdoor ceremony. Choosing the right venue enhances the entire feel of your celebration. An old-world ranch supplies something special- something more than other types of locations. A relaxing and beautiful environment that is rich with history helps you and your guests feel the importance of the event. The surroundings of ranch wedding venues include old-world buildings and bright pops of color from a well-tended landscape that has stood the test of time. The amazing scenery and classic feel of the Gallagher Headquarters help you create wonderful memories of your very important day. Stunning photographs are a pleasant side effect of choosing a ranch as the backdrop, but the true memories of the day are sure to last just as long.
The buildings at Gallagher got their start as a supply depot during the Spanish-American war. Peter Gallagher used his knowledge as a stonemason to fashion the elegant limestone buildings. He also implemented built-in irrigation channels ensure that the gardens remained lush and vibrant. After its days as a supply spot, the ranch became a destination for those in search of somewhere relaxing, charming, and beautiful. Today’s Headquarters possess these same qualities as well as modern updates beneath the rustic exterior.
Our staff can help you realize the wedding of your dreams. Gallagher Headquarters is perfect for any couple in search of a beautiful ranch wedding venue within an easy drive of San Antonio. Simply give us a call to start planning your perfect celebration in Texas’s countryside.
Old World Charm and San Antonio Outdoor Wedding Venues
The Old Gallagher Ranch Headquarters promises a timeless setting for weddings both small and large. As one of the most luxurious San Antonio outdoor wedding venues, we offer the gorgeous backdrop of a natural countryside to your outdoor wedding. Don’t make a mistake and rent the wrong outdoor wedding venue. San Antonio outdoor wedding venues are at their best in the old world charm offered by Gallagher Headquarters.
The grounds of Gallagher’s lush San Antonio outdoor wedding venues are a few steps above your average garden party. The historic hacienda-style building compliments any bridal dress with brown and cream hues that will look stunning in photos. Romantically intertwined tree branches are natural occurrences that provide a truly special backdrop for couples-only shots, and patches of flowers enhance the landscape with wonderful hues of all colors.
When it comes to elegant simplicity, no other San Antonio wedding venues offer the same beauty and charm that the Gallagher Headquarters does. We have lovingly maintained the integrity of the original ranch headquarters while installing modern amenities. These restorations preserve the timeless feel but add conveniences that were not available in the old days. This classic setting is perfect for weddings of any type.
The staff at Gallagher Headquarters is more than happy to help you plan the wedding of your dreams, whether you desire an experience reminiscent of the days of your grandparents or a new twist on an old theme. We stand as a solution for destination weddings and close-to-home affairs alike. Let Gallagher Headquarters provide your venue, and let Texas itself provide the scenery.
Choosing San Antonio outdoor wedding venues doesn’t need to be the heaviest decision of the planning process. The sheer, unadulterated beauty of Texas’ countryside provides the perfect setting for a wedding to be remembered. The Gallagher staff seeks to work with you to create the day of a lifetime for you and your guests. Your wedding is part of your history, so make the occasion a classic affair to remember by hosting with the Gallagher Headquarters.
San Antonio Reception Venues to Suit your Guest List
A close estimation of your expected number of guests determines which types of San Antonio Reception venues you should look at. Small occasions are often every bit as elegant as big affairs. When it comes to your wedding, the size of the event is up to you. Making a guest list is an important step to accomplish very early on – maybe even before you set the actual date! The amount of guests you wish to invite affects every aspect of the wedding planning process. Talk to your fiancée about your ideal wedding, and the two of you can work together to create a guest list that makes you both happy.
Take into account family members, spouses, and “plus-ones” for your single friends. Also, figure out if you want to invite whole families or only the adults. Set an approximate number of people, and then start listing names to get a more accurate head count. If you need to reduce the initial number, make sure both you and your fiancée are mutually satisfied with the cuts.
Once you know your number, send out wedding invitations as soon as possible. Early invites are considerate, and they are vital when it comes to inviting guests who live out of town or work irregular hours. Informal save-the-date postcards might be a good choice for couples that haven’t yet picked out formal invitations but still wish to let everyone know the happy news. Once the RSVP’s start arriving in the mail, you’ll have a closer idea of the actual turnout. You can never be 100% certain of a number, but a general idea of the number helps you stay on task and within budget.
Gallagher Headquarters is one of the San Antonio Reception venues that caters to any sized group. Our outdoor grounds can accommodate a huge party or an intimate gathering while providing the old-world elegance of Texan countryside. Simply give us a call and let us know how many guests you need to accommodate. We’ll work with you to help you choose one of the most beautiful San Antonio Reception venues to make your dream reception a reality.
Choosing Helotes Wedding Venues to Fit Your Budget
Gallagher Headquarters can help with the task of choosing Helotes wedding venues that fit your budget while providing the romantic atmosphere of a historic setting. Our staff can assist you in locating a spot for the ceremony itself, the reception, or arranging for an overnight stay at the Gallagher.
When it comes to Helotes wedding venues for outdoor celebrations, Gallagher Headquarters stands apart from the rest. We let nature set the scene for your special day; an immaculately landscaped hacienda courtyard provides a uniquely romantic setting for the gathering of friends and family to witness your nuptials. Decorations and seating are left up to your preferences, which allows you to customize the particulars according to your personal wedding budget. Our years of experience hosting spectacular celebrations means we can recommend the best planners, decorators, florists, photographers, and caterers in Texas!
Gallagher Headquarters also has 19 impressive overnight rooms available for the night of your big event. These classic rooms are also open for honeymooners seeking a relaxing spot in the country to get away from it all. We employ an on-site chef that can provide meals for those staying with us overnight if you choose. We also offer a spacious living room for more intimate celebrations or cocktails with the bridal party. Simply talk to us about your ideas and your desires for the day, and we’ll help you make it perfect. Whatever your dream day entails, it can become a reality at Gallagher Headquarters.
Selecting the right Helotes wedding venues need not be a difficult task. The prices for room rentals and services are set, which helps you to factor the price of the venue into your wedding budget. Create a memorable day at one of the most impressive Helotes wedding venues. Whether you choose us for a day-time ceremony or an overnight celebration, your wedding is certain to benefit from the historic setting of Gallagher Headquarters!
Classic San Antonio Wedding Venues
Gallagher Headquarters stands apart from other San Antonio wedding venues with its rich history and old-world feel. Scenery is paramount for those in search of a stunning outdoor wedding ceremony. The courtyard at Gallagher Headquarters combines the raw beauty of nature with old-world limestone buildings to give your big day a classic and elegant air.
Outdoor San Antonio wedding venues allow the pristine landscape of Texas’s hill country to enhance the overall beauty of your event. Our venue sets the scene for wedding photos that will be cherished for a lifetime—and not just because of the occasion! Gallagher grounds are laden with classic views of the stunning countryside for a truly memorable day. The hand-cut limestone buildings of Gallagher Headquarters provide a rustic yet elegant ambience that can only be found in Texas!
The hacienda courtyard is a simple and beautiful spot for the ceremony of a lifetime. Velvety grass contrasts nicely with eye-catching limestone for an impressive setting.
Remembrance photos aside, the relaxing atmosphere of Gallagher Headquarters makes it the perfect spot for a good party. After all, your wedding is a celebration! An outdoor sunset reception ends the day on a high note. Food, drinks and music set the tone for a memorable reception, and the scenery of our grounds sets the stage.
Speak with our staff about planning the ceremony itself as well as the reception; we can recommend companies to help with every aspect of your ceremony—from photographers and florists to caterers and live bands. Gallagher Headquarters is one of very few San Antonio wedding venues that provide the beauty of history alongside modern amenities. Plan the wedding of your dreams at the gorgeous Gallagher Headquarters.
Hill Country Venues Can Make Your Special Day Magical
With the wide variety of Texas Hill Country venues to choose from for your outdoor wedding, your biggest problem might not be finding one, but choosing from amongst all the great ones! Gallagher Headquarters takes the best features of some of the most desirable outdoor wedding venues, and puts them all in one place.
Nature or History? Why Not Both!
Picture a wedding ceremony in the fresh air, next to a shady stream while rare warblers sing in the trees overhead, or maybe in the simple beauty of a historic building. If an outdoor wedding appeals to you, or one that uses one of the Hill Country’s varied historic sites as a venue or a backdrop, look no further than Gallagher Headquarters!
Here, you and your guests can take a step back in time to a place in Texas’ proud history, a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Heritage oaks preside over Gallagher’s South Garden, a perfect spot to gaze out over San Geronimo Creek and across rugged hills and limestone canyons while you exchange vows. Afterward, there’s plenty of room on the lawn to raise a giant tent for the reception and dancing. We can even fire up the outdoor fireplace, and guests can wander in and out of cozy, sheltered nooks for quiet conversation.
Rustic Yet Sophisticated
Nothing says “Texas culture” like a wedding at a ranch: horses in the pasture, fields of wildflowers, toasting glasses against a spectacular sunset backdrop. Guess what? Gallagher Headquarters has all that and more!
Whether you choose a truly historic location that’s been handed down through the generations or a newly built facility made to look vintage, the same rules apply for any wedding venue. Make sure the facility and amenities are adequate to meet your needs and those of your guests.
When you have an outdoor wedding celebration at a venue like Gallagher, be prepared to accommodate a few wedding crashers – like a stray lamb, the resident hound dog hoping for an under-the-table snack, or a few butterflies and honeybees!
Not sure what you’re looking for? Let our handpicked list of planners, caterers, photographers, videographers, decorators, florists, musicians, and designers help. Your best bet is to write down what your dream ranch wedding looks like in your imagination and bring it to us. We’ve worked with the best in the business in and around San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country, so we’re confident we can help you find the right people to meet your high expectations, whether that runs toward rustic and cozy, or larger-than-life—like Texas itself.
A Wine For All Time
A wedding amid the rolling slopes of a Hill Country winery – what setting could be more timeless and romantic? This region’s beauty and climate have given rise to a growing wine industry, giving our countryside the look of the Old World.
But here’s something new to give your Gallagher Headquarters wedding and reception a personal touch – customized wine labels. Imagine serving your own “private label” vintage on your special day and reserving a few bottles to celebrate future anniversaries!
The caterers we work with will be happy to create a reception menu just for you that features specially prepared foods paired with estate-grown wines. A good place to start your search is the Texas Wine Trail website. Just be careful that you don’t have so much fun “taste-testing” wineries that you forget to come to Gallagher Headquarters for the wedding itself!
Gardens Setting
If you love the outdoors – just not the “wild” part – consider the Gallagher Ranch’s thoughtfully designed East Garden as the setting for your celebration.
Here, fresh air and creature comforts combine, with a vintage style 1940s swimming pool (picture the mirror-like surface reflecting the light of hundreds of floating candles), an elegant veranda, a dance floor, and a sweeping, manicured lawn for dinner tables.
After the Party’s Over…
Want the fun and adventure of a destination wedding, but close to home? Gallagher Headquarters’ Hill Country venue has your (married) name all over it!
Many couples look to a bed-and-breakfast inn as the perfect venue for intimate weddings with exclusive guest lists. Guests can enjoy your ceremony, relax at the reception, and then retire to their own rooms when the evening is over. It’s a beautiful thing not to have to worry about guests driving home!
Gallagher Ranch Headquarters has a number of bedrooms designed with rugged appeal and luxurious comfort available for rent for your family or wedding party. Our rooms provide fine linens against your skin and fine art to delight the eye. Some of the rooms come with fireplaces to take the chill out of the Hill Country night. Breakfast for the following morning can be arranged if you wish.
Let Gallagher Headquarters be the magical backdrop for your special day! Contact us to find out why we’re one of the most talked-about wedding Hill Country venues.
Options for Decorating Outdoor San Antonio Reception Venues
San Antonio’s mild climate, especially in spring or fall, makes it easy to hold your reception outdoors. What’s not so easy is deciding how to decorate and make your guests as comfortable as possible.
Tenting Tonight (or during the day)
Reception tents come in all shapes and sizes, so consult with a number of party tent rental companies to find the perfect tent – or combination of tents – to suit your needs.
Frame-style tents have no interior poles to impede the flow of “traffic” or block anyone’s view. On the other hand, the interior supports in pole-style tents can be handy anchoring points for lighting, decorations, and sound equipment.
A white tent with sides that can be lowered or elegantly draped open will deflect the strong Texas sun and lends itself to the simple, classic look of an all-white reception. Insert pleasing pops of color in the form of floral centerpieces or jewel-toned glassware. Or go for the popular “shabby chic” look with table linens in vintage fabrics and mismatched place settings.
For an evening reception, consider a “blackout” tent made of dark fabric and hung with tiny, white twinkling lights to simulate a starlit sky. Complete the romantic look with intimate candle centerpieces and perhaps white, spherical globe lanterns.
The high ceiling of some tents can be brought down to earth by draping wide swaths of fabric in your chosen wedding colors, or colorful paper lanterns in interesting geometric shapes.
Consider what kinds of activities you’re going to have at your reception. Tents can be enhanced with different types of flooring to make moving about with food-loaded plates and dancing much easier.
Table It
Choose round tables instead of long, narrow ones to make conversation easier among your guests. Centerpieces should not block guests’ view of their table companions, but you can achieve a look of height with helium balloons anchored with transparent fishing line, or topiary floral arrangements perched on tall, thin dowels.
Whatever your centerpiece choice, think either tall and slender or wide and below eye level. Floating candles can be lovely, especially with underwater decorations or set on top of a flat mirror to reflect the warm light.
Seating is just as important as tables! In hot weather, choose a non-metal, non-vinyl type of seat that won’t heat up or stick to anyone’s skin. Wood is a good choice, or a regular chair with a white fitted fabric cover and tied with a big colorful bow.
For an outdoor wedding, especially if the tent will have open sides, remember that your decorations should be able to stand up to a sudden gust of wind or sprinkle of rain. A substantial wooden flower box loaded with seasonal flowers is a great idea; also make sure that tablecloths (if you use them) are securely anchored.
Thinking Themes?
Are you an intrepid couple with a penchant for world travel? A travel-themed reception could include wall maps, vintage steamer trunks, a small vintage travel case, compasses, and old post cards as part of the table decorations.
Love books? Scour yard and library sales for old books to combine with flower-filled compotes and framed quotes from favorite authors.
Green thumb couples can place their guests in their favorite place in the world – a garden – with terrarium centerpieces, even a simple clear class vase overflowing with flowers and ivy. Place tea-light candles in holders half-filled with tiny pebbles.
For a truly memorable outdoor reception décor idea, think interactive!
• Board games
• Real freshwater fish bowls
• Puzzles made from pictures of the bride and groom
• Autograph/comment books to write greetings and best wishes
• Signature ceramic vase with glass-friendly pens
• Photo of the couple with wide mats for easy signing
• Place party favors in “mystery” gift boxes and make a game of trading/stealing before guests are allowed to open them
With just a little imagination, your outdoor reception venue décor can make your special day the one everyone will remember.
Gallagher Ranch is ready to be your perfect venue for your outdoor reception. Call us today!
Making Memories: Picking the Perfect San Antonio Wedding Venue
Congratulations, Ms. Newly Engaged! You’ve done the easy part: falling in love with the perfect man. Now the real “labor of love” begins – planning your wedding day!
At or near the top of many to-do lists to come is choosing the wedding venue. San Antonio has a whole smorgasbord of wedding-ready venues to choose from, but the longer you wait, the slimmer the pickings will get. Here are some tips to guide you through the process to find the perfect San Antonio wedding venue.
The Who
While you don’t necessarily need to nail down the guest list right at the beginning, you do need to have a good estimate of how many people you plan to invite. This could mean making realistic adjustments if you envision an intimate ceremony in one of San Antonio’s historic mission chapels, but it’s best to figure this out sooner rather than later.
Also, though it’s your day, you need to take into consideration the comfort of guests who may not be as spry as they used to be. This will mean making sure your San Antonio wedding venue is fully handicap-accessible.
The What
What kind of wedding do you want? This seems like a simple question, but it really isn’t. It’s easy to feel pressured by family to “do what has always been done,” or to be tempted to emulate the latest viral “dancing wedding” video on YouTube.
Take a step back and evaluate what feels like “you” as a couple.
• Traditional
The bride’s home church is often the venue of choice for traditional religious ceremonies. But if the chapel and fellowship hall are too small to accommodate the guest list – or if the church cannot accommodate the embellishments you want, such as a catered meal or a live band with dancing – think about renting the facilities at a sister church.
• Non-traditional
If you and your intended come from different religious backgrounds, this is a good reason to select neutral territory. Any of San Antonio’s non-denominational churches are wonderful choices for a ceremony that combines elements of both faiths, or reaches deep for nuggets of commonality.
• Mold-breaking
Couples without a church home are by no means left adrift. San Antonio’s relatively mild year-round weather opens up a whole lot of possibilities for out-of-the-box wedding venues. Consider a historical outdoor venue like Gallagher Ranch, with the beautiful backdrop of Texas Hill Country bringing a touch of nature to your special day.
The How
Another consideration (as if you didn’t have enough already!) is how much of the “heavy lifting” you’re willing to handle at your chosen San Antonio wedding venue. Gallagher Ranch can put you in touch with everybody you might need to handle your wedding from beginning to end.
The When
Spring, summer, and early fall are all popular seasons for weddings, which means the most popular locales are booked up early – even years in advance. So if you have your heart set on a unique San Antonio wedding venue, grab it as soon as possible.
A Christmas wedding in San Antonio can be especially romantic; if your guests are mostly local, they may have time off for an afternoon or evening ceremony. Christmastime weddings also give you the freedom to choose rich, vibrant color schemes using red, green, gold, burgundy, ice blue and white—hues that might be considered “too much” for a delicate spring afternoon!
Consider Gallagher Ranch
Wouldn’t it be great to plan a wedding dream, and have it all come true with a minimum of stress? Gallagher Ranch and our list of handpicked wedding collaborators – planners, photographers, videographers, caterers, musicians, decorators, and florists – are ready to help you make your idea of the perfect San Antonio wedding venue a memorable reality!
Choosing Historical Event Venues in San Antonio to Fit Your Budget
From the heart of downtown to the rolling Texas Hill Country, there is no shortage of historic event venues in San Antonio to choose from for an outdoor event. Just make sure you pick the right one so that your event, seminar, or family gathering is memorable for all the right reasons.
Consider Your Budget
Admission to public historic sites, such as the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, is nominal or free during regular visiting hours. You might even be able to use one of the historic chapels for a wedding ceremony, as long as you make a reservation in advance and pay a nominal fee.
However, if you wish to use a professional photographer or videographer on the site, or use the site outside normal business hours, you will need to apply for a permit, which usually involves a fee.
Then when you factor in the extra cost of transporting chairs, tables, catered food, sound systems, rented tents, a power supply for musicians, site cleanup and more, the costs of a “free” or low-cost historical venue start adding up.
A more cost-effective option might be to hold your ceremony and reception in a traditional location set up for events, like a church or party center, and just have your wedding photos taken at the historic site. You may also consider a privately owned facility with deep historic roots, like Gallagher Ranch. This allows you to enjoy the serene landscape and create memories of a lifetime.
Consider the Rules
Most open-to-the-public historic sites won’t raise a fuss if you simply show up to snap a few wedding pictures (see note above about professional photographers and videographers), as long as you don’t use the site itself as a prop. Standing in front, behind, or beside a building, wall, or other historic object is fine; climbing, leaning, or sitting on it—not so much.
Consider the Guests
The key to being a wonderful host is putting the guests first in every aspect of planning. The most beautiful historical backdrop in the world won’t mean much if your guests arrive grumpy because they can’t find a parking place, arrive late because the directions are unclear, or don’t arrive at all because the venue isn’t wheelchair-accessible.
Again, using a historic landscape that has been restored and designed to accommodate events of all kinds is often the more cost-effective option.
Gallagher Ranch, a historic gem among outdoor event venues in San Antonio, is conveniently located just northwest of town. The Ranch has all the resources you need to make your next event, family reunion, business retreat, or wedding day truly memorable. Contact us today to see how we can help make your dreams a reality.
San Antonio’s Perfect Outdoor Venue to Celebrate the Holidays
There’s no substitute for a home overflowing with holiday cooking aromas and people you love. But let’s say it’s your turn to play host and you know your home won’t accommodate that many people, no matter how well they all get along—or perhaps there’s a reason you want to make this year’s family holiday celebration extra special.
Tell us what you envision for your holiday gathering, and let Gallagher Ranch help you celebrate with family and friends. Take a short drive northwest of San Antonio, step out of the car—and take a deep, relaxing breath of Texas Hill Country.
A Historic Venue
Guests who arrive at Gallagher Ranch can easily be forgiven for wondering if they’ve just stepped through a time portal to Old Mexico. It could be because Santa Ana himself had a hand in its origins, commissioning Irish stonemason Peter Gallagher to build a fortified supply depot in 1833. The 1,500-acre property is still a working farm operation, home to horses and Black Angus cattle.
Modern Amenities
The main Headquarters, the original fortress house built by Gallagher, has grown into a bustling hub of ranch activity as well as the perfect backdrop for an outdoor venue for family holiday reunions, corporate meetings, and retreats of all kinds—from team-building to healing.
Whether you are hosting an intimate holiday gathering of 18-20 or after-dinner toasts, the landscape is breathtakingly beautiful. A variety of outdoor spaces allow larger families to celebrate the holidays under cover, under the trees, under a tent, or under the stars.
A limited number of guests can be accommodated overnight in bedrooms that beautifully blend rustic charm with upscale elegance. Meals can also be provided on request.
A Menu for Every Taste
Whether you want your family holiday gathering to be gourmet all the way, stuffed with tradition, or down-home-barbecue casual, Gallagher Ranch will help you find someone from our virtual A-list of San Antonio caterers, event planners, photographers and videographers, musicians, and florists. Talk to us about your vision for your celebration, and we’ll help you make it a reality!
Explore the possibility of a family holiday reunion in a gorgeous outdoor venue. Contact Gallagher Ranch today.
A New Lease on Life
By Travis E. Poling
Copyright 2002, San Antonio Express-News
Reprinted with permission
Gallagher Headquarters Ranch house restored; gated community planned
The historic Gallagher Headquarters Ranch in western Bexar County is getting a new lease on life, thanks to a San Antonio architect and his family.
Christopher Hill and other members of his family purchased the ranch in several transactions over the past few months to restore the 164-year-old hacienda-style house on the site and make the rest of the property into an environmentally friendly development.
The headquarters ranch is a portion of the 10,000-acre spread established by Irish civil engineer Peter Gallagher in 1833. Descendants of the McNutt family, who bought the ranch in 1927 retain 6,600 acres.
Syndicate Buys Gallagher Ranch 25 Miles Northwest of City for $150,000’ to Establish “Dude Ranch”
San Antonio Express: Tuesday Morning, September 20, 1927
A “dude” ranch, with Pete Crawford , a Texas Ranger, as manager, will be opened 23 miles northwest of San Antonio about October 16. Opening of this project will bring to San Antonio the first sport center of a kind which Montana, Wyoming and the Far West have been infamous , and which have attracted thousands of Easterners into the open spaces.
The 10,0000 acre Gallagher Ranch, established by Peter Gallagher, father of the expression “Let’er go Gallagher,” was purchased Monday afternoon from Judge C. C. Clamp of San Antonio, by a new San Antonio syndicate, the Gallagher Ranch Company composed of V. H. McNutt, oil man; L. A. Casey, R. A. Richey and P.E. Gragg, members of the realty firm Richey, Casey & Gragg, and Crawford. The consideration was approximately $150,000.00.
The property is located on the Bandera Road, and has always been considered one of he most picturesque ranches in Texas. Sale of the property to the syndicate was arranged by Casey.
Possession of the property has already been taken, a building program will provide many rock buildings in order to provided accommodation for the great influx of guests which is anticipated. Transient guests will not be accepted and it will be necessary to make reservations a week or more in advance, according to Casey. The plan is to operate a high class ranch, one that will be especially appreciated by tourists visiting San Antonio.
Crawford who has the distinction of operating the first dude ranch in Texas, is operating a summer ranch of that kind in Alpine. The Gallagher Ranch, it is planned will be operated as a winter dude ranch.
The old name, “The Gallagher Ranch” will be retained. The Gallagher is now operated, on an old-time cattle ranch, with real cowboys. The setting will not be changed. The cowboys will mingle among the guests in addition to carrying on their regular duties. Crawford, who has spent many years on West Texas ranches as a cowboy and foreman, will have charge of the cattle business conducted on the ranch.
Crawford along with Will Rogers is one of the few to hold a commission as a Texas Ranger, as a game warden west of the Pecos and in the Big Bend country. For several years he has been conducting pack train hunting trips and exploring expeditions into the Big Bend. These trips and expeditions have attracted guests from various parts of the United States.
The dude ranch operated by Crawford at Alpine is known as the “Rancho Valle la Cienega” and has attracted some of the leading men of he country as guests. Among its stockholders is Noah Benry who was a star in the “Rough Riders,” which was filmed in San Antonio.
The original owner of the Gallagher Ranch was one of the best known pioneers in Texas due to his vast holdings of land which included approximately 300,000 acres surrounding the Gallagher Ranch, and which was known as the Headquarters Ranch..
There is likely no more historical spot in Texas, outside the various battle grounds, than the Gallagher Ranch. It was formerly known as Fort Gallagher. Two old rock houses on the place are about a century old. The age is evident from the fact that the old rock thresholds at several of the doors have been worn down five or six inches by countless feet.
The settling of the old headquarters houses is in a clump of old live oaks, bearded with Spanish moss. Port holes, used in defense in Indian attacks, are still to be seen in the walls of the old rock houses. An old bell, which was used to sound a general alarm in case of Indian attacks, still in position.
Gallagher Will Open a Dude Ranch Soon
San Antonio Express Real Estate Classified, October 23, 1927
PETE CRAWFORD TO MANGE BIG OUTING PROJECT
Guest Accommodation Being increased; 10,000 Acre Tract.
The setting just 25 miles from San Antonio, of stirring scene in the days of Texas, when ranchmen fought the Indians in the preservation of their families and herds; when priests braved great hazard In the carrying of their labors and when Civil War raged and has become the location of a new and interesting enterprise in Southwest Texas.
The Historic Gallagher ranch a 10,000-acre tract on the Bandera Road which was purchase a few weeks ago by a syndicate, is now numbered among the “dude” ranches of the country, which are chiefly located in Montana and Wyoming. Pete Crawford range rider, ranch foreman, cow rancher and Texas Ranger who established at Alpine the first “dude” ranch in Texas, and is chief wrangler and boss of the ranch.
Work is underway in enlarging the facilities of the ranch and in about two weeks the first “dude” ranch in this section will be a “growing concern” with paying guests enjoying the hospitality of a character for which ranchers are famous. It was with this hospitality that the “dude” ranch business had its origins. The ranchmen, particularly in the sparsely settled parts of the country, invites a great number of his friends to spend some time at the ranch, participating in the regular events of ranch life and in the multiplicity of sports which the cattle country affords. Many years ago the idea was conceived that great numbers of people, particularly in the East who did not process ranchers as friends, would enjoy the opportunity of spending some time on a ranch and the “dude” ranch, came into existence. The term “dude” ranch is now looked upon in a considerable extent as a misnomer because of the greatly increased popularity of outdoor life among the American people, both men and women.
Established about 1847.
The Gallaher Ranch purchased from Judge C. C. Clamp is now owned by the Gallagher Ranch Company which is composed of V. H. McNutt San Antonian oil man, L. A. Casey, R. A. Richey and P.E. Gragg, of the firm Richey, Casey & Gragg and Crawford.
It will be operated throughout the year, but about June, P. Crawford will to go Alpine for three months to operate his “dude” ranch, Rancho Rancho Valle la Cienega leaving his assistant to charge in charge of the local ranch. The Alpine ranch a 40,000 acre tract was settled in 1878, when the Big Bend country was “sure enough wild and woody” and has been owned by George Brown for 25 years.
The Gallagher Ranch, the headquarters ranch for a 300,000-acre ranch project, was established about 1847and 1848 by Gallagher who gave to this country the expression “let’er go Gallagher,.” It was at one time known as Fort Gallagher and has figured prominently in the warfare of the South even back to when Indians formed one of the ranchmen’s greatest hazards. In fact one of the great hills on this tract is called Counsel Mountain. It was on the top of this hill that the Indians held their powwows and burned their signal fires, to watching tribes on distant hills. In the rock building’s, with walls more than two feet thick, are port holes from which the besieged white men fired upon the Indians.
Officers and men are declared to have been quartered at the ranch in the Civil War days.
Evidence is still available of an old military road through the property from San Antonio to Fort Concho and Camp San Saba.
Ranch in Hills
The Ranch buildings are located in a valley with great hills towering in every direction. From the ridge of the Hoffman canyon a view of San Antonio, 18 miles distant, is available on a clear day. From another great hill may be seen Medina Lake, four miles distant and one of the greatest black bass fishing resorts in the country.
One of the interesting nights on the Gallagher Ranch, particularly to a Texan, is the remains of an irrigation system which was built by Gallagher. That ranchman is declared to have spent $100,000 on the project and to have irrigated only 200 acres, despite the fact that at least 1,000 acres of agricultural land was available for irrigation.
The old ranch houses and new structures, which are being built will form a quadrangle. All new buildings will be of stone in order that the setting created by the old structure may not be marred. A rustic living room 30x60 is one of he outstanding buildings being erected. This building will have cedar beams in the ceiling and there will be a great stone fireplace at either end. While all modern facilities will be provided, the building and remodeling program will not in any way detract from the original setting. The old ranch bell is being left in place and will summon guest to meals. The bedrooms of the old buildings each have a fireplace and a fireplace also is to be a feature of all bedrooms added in the expansion program.
Lakes to Be Created
Three lakes to provide swimming for guest will be established by the building o dams in San Geronimo Creek, which winds for a distance of six miles through the ranch.
One of the outstanding improvements made by Judge Clamp during his ownership of the property was the building of automobile roads. The Judge built 55 miles of road, many miles of which was accomplished under great difficulties.
Crawford has promised that his guests will enjoy a program of entertainment that is typical of operations on any cow ranch, and a few “frills”. There will be the ranch remuda (or herd of saddle horses); roundups, cattle branding, the opportunity to watch the nimble-footed, clever cutting horses work on the range, chuck wagon expeditions into the remote sections of the ranch, and a multiplicity of cowboy sports. There also will be hunting and fishing expeditions. One of the entertainment features will be Mexican music and dancing in the evenings.
Crawford well Known
Crawford who numbers among friends many men of prominence and wealth in the country, has had an interesting career, his latest accomplishment was the exploring of Del Carmen Canyon in the Big Bend country and brining it prominently before the country. The top of the rim on the Mexican side is 8000 feet above the river and on the American side 2,000 feet. Crawford is one of the few men not on active duty to possess a commission in the Texas Rangers. He has been a border officer and served with Pershing in Mexico and France. Crawford was the first man in Texas to start a guide and outfitting business for the purpose of taking parties into the remote parts of the Davis Mountains and the Big Bend country.
The Gallagher Ranch Company has received numerous letters complimenting it on the selection of the property as the location for the new project John Jacobs who is famous for selection and training of the polo ponies has spoken very highly of the Gallagher Ranch as the location of a “dude” ranch. Jacobs has visited the best ranches of the country in the selection of horses suitable for development as polo ponies.
Romance Rides with “Dudes” on Ranch
By Bess Carrol
Sunday San Antonio Light Feb 12, 1928
Evolution has been busy in Texas, even on the “grant open spaces” where once intrepid cowboys rode after their steers, their Indians, their mustangs – or whatever they happened to have on hand that day. And another milestone has emerged from its rugged past in “city clothes” - the old Gallagher ranch, now a place for “dudes” and “dudettes.”
In September of last year when this patriarchal place ceased to share it antiquity with the old Bandera hills, and became an official “dude” ranch under the guidance of L. A. Casey and V.H. McNutt, San Antonio realtors, a number of old traditions must have literally turned over in their graves – but now they’ve settled down again to the peaceful slumber of eternity.
For just as your old-time cowman remains the Same “under the skin” even in the rankest of city clothes, so the old Gallagher ranch has preserved its historic identity and remains a curious mixture of the past and the present – a blend of “long lank” cowboys and of modishly attired modern folk. Because no one could change the personality that years slowly made out there in the lonesome hills, no more than aged human individualities can “evolute” all of a sudden into something young and different.
Romantic Story
And that’s just why one of the most romantic, picturesque stories of the great range that gave longhorns their birthright hides 25 miles out on the Bandera road, where the place that Peter Gallagher – famous Irish ranchman of San Antonio ‘s earliest days – established, under the very noses of about 30,000 wild Indians, some thing like 90 years ago becomes the haven for city folk from the “effete East.”
Imagine a graduate of Columbia university, clad in the most native cowman’s garb possible, greeting old friends from New York – as “Sandy” Jacques, manager of the ranch, does now; and imagine little boys from the realistic avenues of great cities seeing vertical portholes made nearly 100 years ago and made in all seriousness by Peter Gallagher himself – for the red inhabitants of that period!
Stand and Look
“But the average city guest seems to acquire more “kick” from our old rail corral,” Mr. Casey said. “They’ve read about cow pens like that once used for wild longhorn cattle, and when they see an original one – well they just stand and look.”
The old Gallagher ranch house, built some time in the 40’s also furnishes the person from afar with many surprises – including it ancient vertical rail stairway, its numerous portholes for Indian-fighting and its sun-dial in the yard.
Yet under its romantic surface of real cowboys- they are Hayden Mansfield, “Slick” Jones and John Stephens all of Bandera, born as cowboys and remaining as “sich” – and its coating of old adobe walls, there remains something wistful about this place that has seen it’s day of danger and reality; something faintly pathetic about old Council Mountain, where Apaches once made their fires – deserted now. But offsetting this is the fact that a frontier is on parade, seeing its last days in romantic fashion.
Gallagher Ranch Continues Good Publicity Work
The San Antonio Light: Sunday, February 17, 1929
The Gallagher Ranch 25 miles out on the Bandera road, San Antonio’s 10,000 acre Dude ranch, continues to give this city some of her most extensive publicity. New improvements, including eight new double rooms, each with tiled baths have been completed as an addition to the “ranch house” and reservations from all parts of the Unites States have been made into March, according to L. A. Casey, one of the owners. All railroads running into San Antonio are carrying the Gallagher Ranch features in their publicity booklets, Mr. Casey reports. The ranch, with its novel entertainment, offers something in San Antonio that is bringing prominent people here who would not come for any other attraction, Mr. Casey says people, prominent throughout northern and eastern cities, are guest now of the ranch.
Historic Gallagher Ranch Eastern Line for Dude Ranchers
Associated Press
The Corsicana Daily Sun Friday November 25, 1927
Once Famous Western Ranch is Now Held by Commercial Ranchers
The historic Gallagher ranch, 25 miles west of San Antonio, which has been the scene of fights between Indians, between Indians and Spaniards and between pioneer Texans and Mexicans has become the eastern frontier of the “Dude ranchers.”
The ranch, which was once the headquarters for a 300,000 acre ranching project, now consists of about 10,000 acres. It was established in 1848 by a man named Gallagher, who is said to have been the hero of the phrase “Let’er Go Gallagher.”
Remains of Gallagher’s famous irrigation project can still be seen. The early irrigation experiment is said to have cost in excess $100,000 and to have irrigated 200 acres of land.
The present owners have added to the original ranch buildings, retaining the pioneer style of stone building with walls two feet thick and narrow windows for loopholes.
The ranch will open the year round and will carry on all of the activities of a real ranch on a commercial scale.
One of the most famous spots on the ranch is Council Mountain from which Indians used to send their smoke signals after tribal councils.
So far as it is known, the Gallagher ranch is the eastern and southern outpost of the “dude ranch” industry which has been carrying the “wild west” to the east in late years. Another ranch utilized as a resort, is located at Alpine and the same men will manage both properties.
Dude Ranch House Getting New Wing
San Antonio Express Sunday Morning, March 13, 1932
Work is being rushed to complete a new wing at the Gallagher Dude Ranch, 25 miles out on the Bandera road within the next week as Mrs. Pancoast Kidder, the manager, has already received reservations for these quarters.
The addition follows the typical Spanish rancho style of construction used for the other buildings on the ranch. A winding outdoor stairway and overhanging balconies are attractive features. Native rock is being used in the construction.