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“If
these pioneers could see the Lawton
Ranch as it is today, they would agree
that it is a perfect example of how
unused land can be changed into a
flourishing, showcase ranch, where
exceptional cattle and horses are bred,
and where the acreage is a living
example of what man can do on his chosen
part of this earth.” ~ Lawton Brothers
Ranch, Nola Mae Ross, 2008 |
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The ranch land is
comprised of pristine marshes with miles of
blue-green bayous, open prairie land and stately
oaks that offer shade on a hot gulf coast day
for the livestock and the cowboys alike. This
land is abundant with game and fowl to hunt and
perfect waters for fishing. All of this is more
than part of the landscape, it is the spirit and
life of the Ranch.
The Attakapa tribal lands stretched
across the Lawton Ranch but their presence faded
as the first set of white settlers arrived in
1817, when many Spanish Land Grants were being
offered in an effort to settle this area.
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The area where the ranch lays is part of
Southwest Louisiana, situated between the Sabine
and the Calcasieu River. In 1803, this land was
claimed by both Texas and Louisiana. The problem
arose when the U.S bought the Louisiana Purchase
from France. This strip of land was included as
far as the U.S was concerned but Spain claimed
that it belonged to them. It was known as the
Neutral Strip until 1819, when the Adam-Onis
Treaty was signed and ownership of the land
officially went to Louisiana.
In 1834, the U.S passed the Swamp Act, which
encouraged even more settlers to migrate to this
area. Around the 1850’s the Timber Culture Act
was enacted that deeded 160 more acres of land
in exchange for planting timber. These
legislations helped to attract settlers to this
area and plant strong family roots. |
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“If these pioneers could see the Lawton Ranch
as it is today, they would agree that it is a
perfect example of how unused land can be
changed into a flourishing, showcase ranch,
where exceptional cattle and horses are bred,
and where the acreage is a living example of
what man can do on his chosen part of this
earth.”- Lawton Brothers Ranch, Nola Mae Ross,
2008
Information on this page has been quoted or excerpted from "The Lawton Ranch of Southwest Louisiana" written by Nola Mae Ross and Susan McFillen
