In the rugged expanse of Far West Texas, where the Chihuahuan Desert stretches endlessly beneath a sky gleaming with billions of stars, Cibolo Creek Ranch tells the story of a pioneer of resilience and vision. Here, the spirit of Milton Faver—the Big Bend’s legendary cattle baron—echoes through adobe forts, rolling grasslands, and the day-to-day rhythms of cowboy life.
A Fateful Beginning
Born in 1822 in Virginia, Faver’s journey to notoriety was anything but ordinary. Local lore tells of a young Faver, while working in Missouri, fled to Chihuahua, Mexico, after believing he had killed someone in a duel. There, he married Francisca Ramírez and began his career with a modest freighting business, hauling goods between Mexico and Texas in a single cart.
As his business thrived, Faver expanded his routes along the Chihuahua and Santa Fe Trails, eventually opening a mercantile store in Presidio del Norte. When Fort Davis was established in 1854 to protect the Overland Trail, Faver saw an opportunity. He claimed a large portion of land near the Chinati and Cienega Mountains, along the Cibolo Creek, and by 1857 he had established Cibolo Creek Ranch. His vision was to build a self-sufficient ranching operation in one of the most remote and hostile areas of the state. Faver was among the first non-Native settlers to ranch cattle in the Big Bend region, which was then the frontier of Texas.
Building an Empire
Faver began laying the foundation for what would become one of the most successful ranching empires in the region. Using traditional adobe techniques, he constructed the first of three forts on the ranch: El Fortin del Cibolo (“Fort of the Buffalo”). Located along Cibolo Creek, it served as a hub for trading and agriculture, becoming the headquarters and backbone of his operations.
Faver later built El Fortin de la Cienega (“The Fort of the Marsh”), which became the headquarters for his cattle operation. Situated near a spring-fed wetland, this fort provided essential water for livestock and farming, making it a vital outpost for agricultural activities and helping his operations endure periods of drought. He also established El Fortin de la Morita (“The Fort at the Little Mulberry Tree”), which served as the center of his sheep and goat operations.
Strategically designed and placed, the forts served dual purposes: safeguarding his family, workers, and livestock from Native American raids, and providing hubs for his vast ranching enterprise. The forts also supported Faver’s trade with local settlers, silver miners from the nearby town of Shafter, and U.S. Army troops stationed at nearby Fort Davis. From these strongholds, Faver oversaw a thriving operation rivaling any in Texas with more than 20,000 longhorn cattle and sizable sheep and goat herds.
Civil War, Trail Drives and Death
The Civil War disrupted life across Texas, leaving settlements in the Big Bend region vulnerable. Native American raids and outlaws posed constant threats, but Faver’s fortified ranch withstood the chaos. He continued trading with Fort Davis, ensuring the survival of the area’s settlements until the railroad’s arrival brought new stability.
Faver also became one of Texas’s earliest trail drivers, blazing routes to markets as far as New Orleans. His daring and innovative spirit earned him the nickname “don Melitón,” a term of respect, and he became a local legend. Some believe he even inspired the character of Gil Favor in the television series Rawhide.
Milton Faver died in 1889 and was laid to rest in an adobe tomb on his beloved ranch. He left his estate to his wife, Francisca, who had been his steadfast partner in life and legacy. Their only child, Juan, died in 1913, followed shortly by Francisca, marking the end of an era for the Faver family.
The Decline
After Faver’s death, the ranch passed through various owners. Over time, the adobe forts and other structures fell into disrepair. The isolation of the Big Bend region, combined with economic shifts and changing agricultural practices, contributed to the decline of the ranch. By the mid-20th century, the ranch had become a shadow of its former self. However, its historical significance attracted the attention of historians and preservationists.
Revival
A third-generation Texan, Houston businessman, war veteran, and history enthusiast John B. Poindexter purchased the ranch in 1988. His vision was to transform the ranch into a world-class resort while preserving the spirit of Milton Faver.
Over seven years, and under the auspices of the Texas Historical Commission, Poindexter meticulously restored the three adobe forts using historical records and authentic materials and methods to ensure accuracy. This included the on-site production of hundreds of adobe blocks made from original materials to replace eroded sections.
The Big Bend region’s grasslands had long been under pressure from overgrazing, invasive species, and climate change. Under Poindexter’s stewardship, Cibolo Creek Ranch became a center for conservation. Grassland rehabilitation began by reintroducing native grasses to restore the ecosystem’s natural balance, and to help combat soil erosion, promote biodiversity, and provide habitat for native wildlife such as mule deer, javelinas, and numerous bird species.
The ranch’s springs and water features are managed to support both human use and ecological needs. This has helped sustain local flora and fauna, ensuring a thriving ecosystem. Conservation measures include controlled grazing, habitat protection, and monitoring invasive species. Much of the 30,000-acre landscape has been returned to its pre-pioneer condition through ongoing habitat restoration efforts.
The restoration earned acclaim for its authenticity, blending historical accuracy with modern luxury to transform the ranch into a high-end resort. Today, the ranch is both a luxury retreat and a living museum, offering a window into the rich history of Far West Texas. Artifacts from the ranch’s history —such as tools, documents, and photographs—have been carefully curated into on-site exhibits. Complementing these is an extensive art collection depicting the ranch and the region’s rich history.
Guests can explore its historical forts, enjoy the breathtaking Chihuahuan Desert landscape, and learn about the efforts to preserve the region’s natural beauty. The ranch features meticulously restored structures that now serve as accommodations and event spaces. Visitors can experience the rugged charm of the Old West alongside modern amenities.
Left The history of the ranch and the area displayed in an exhibit Right art exhibits are displayed througout the ranch.
Modern Cowboy Culture
Amid the resort’s modern amenities, the traditions of cowboy life provide a connection to the ranch’s past. Cibolo Creek Ranch maintains a rich tradition of cowboy culture, blending historical practices with modern ranching. The ranch operates as a working cow-calf operation with herds of Cibolo-raised Brangus and Black Angus cows, bred with locally sourced bulls and managed by experienced cowboys from nearby Presidio, and Ojinaga, Mexico. The day-to-day work of these cowboys involves traditional methods like horseback cattle drives, alongside modern techniques like rotational grazing and intensive pasture management. Horses raised on-site are still essential to their operations, reflecting the heritage of ranching in the region.
The ranch manager, Tom Davis, plays a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding the ranch’s capabilities. With a background in cattle and range management, Davis has developed infrastructure to enhance operations, including fences, pens, and irrigation systems to ensure the ranch’s sustainability even in arid conditions. His leadership supports the cowboys’ work and helps preserve the historical significance of the land. The cowboys themselves, along with other staff, contribute to the ranch’s unique appeal, often interacting with guests who come to experience life in the West. Their stories, skills, and traditions help keep alive the spirit of the Old West at this luxury yet authentic ranch destination.
Cibolo Creek Ranch is perfect for leisure travel, family getaways, weddings, or corporate events, this Far West Texas resort features a private airport, regional cuisine, and a range of activities. Guests can choose from Lakeside or Courtyard rooms, premium suites, or stay in historic forts. The 30,000-acre property offers outdoor adventures such as horseback riding, shooting, guided tours, and visits to mid-19th-century forts built by founder Milton Faver.
The story of don Melitón lives on at Cibolo Creek Ranch, reflected in the restored adobe walls, the wide-open grasslands, and the timeless rhythm of cowboy life echoing through the canyons of Far West Texas.
