OUR Rich historY
1897: West texas pioneers
Andrew G. Prude & Ora J. Prude
Historic Prude Guest Ranch has combined the best of the modern world with old west wilderness to create a fun packed western vacation for children or the entire family. Prude Ranch was established over 125 years ago as a cattle ranch. For the last eighty years, six generations of Prudes have run the ranch as both guest ranch and working cattle ranch.
Grandmother Prude came to Fort Davis over 125 years ago, with her parents, in a covered wagon. The soldiers of Old Fort Davis had to protect them from Indians along their journey. Her marriage to Andrew G. Prude in 1896 began the legacy of the present Prude Ranch operation.
1921: GuEST Ranch
John G. “Big Spurs” Prude
In 1921 the Prude’s started a guest ranch to share the beauty of the land and cool summer months with city dwellers. Early guests arrived on the Southern Pacific Railroad. The ranch eventually grew to 28,000 acres but when a severe drought and the Depression of the 1930s forced the Prude’s to sell cattle and most of their land, they decided to operate the guest ranch full time.
John G. Prude was the second generation to get involved and sat high in the saddle for over 90 years. He was known as "Big Spurs" and was host to thousands of visitors who participated in cattle drives, ate from chuck wagons and listened to old cowboy songs while sitting around a campfire. Big Spurs rode with the boys and girls every day, each summer, and with all ranch guests during the year.
1951: Summer Camp
John Robert & Betty Prude
The legacy lives on, John Robert and Betty Prude, the third generation, began what is now 71 years of Prude Ranch Summer Camp for Boys and Girls. The first camp session back in 1951 entertained a group of 18 boys. John Robert was head counselor and Betty was camp administrator, and chief cook. Both were teachers during the winter, but spent summers watching this West Texas camp enrollment grow during the month of June.
Because the boys were getting to play cowboy, sisters in camp families wanted to get in on some of that fun, so in 1955 Prude Ranch Summer Camp included girls as well. Changes really began to take place! Camp staff numbers increased, additional bunkhouses were built, the only real swimming pool with circulating heated water in the entire county was built, a camp dining room was erected, more horses and saddles were added to the remuda, and the Prude family began to grow with the arrival of the fourth generation Chipper, Andy, Charles, and Jaynellen.
5th Generation
By late 1970’s Prude Ranch Summer Camp families could be found all over Texas, Mexico, and even north of the Mason Dixon Line. The fifth generation of Prudes include Kelly Ann, Stephen, Phillip, Abby, Tori, Javi, Jayne Betts, Darryl, Heidi, Cora, Hunter, Mackenzie, Alyssa, Braxton, Tanner, Andi, and Grayson. The Prude family are beginning yet another generation with Faith Ann, Gracie, Tenley, Harper, Olivia, Charlotte, Rhylee Rae, Andrew Hudson, Cameron, Bexlee Jane, and Hallie Jo! All lend helping hands to make Prude Ranch Summer Camp the special place for “cowgirls and cowboys”!!!
1996: A Historical landmark
In the late 90’s, Prude Ranch was recognized by the Texas Historical Commission as an important historic site to protect and preserve. The preservation of our land and our story will allow future generations to learn and enjoy the rich history of Prude Ranch.
In 1998, Bill Caruth invested in Prude Ranch and joined the Prude family in an effort to preserve the historic ranch. Bill’s affiliation with Prude Ranch dates back to the mid 80's when his mother, Mabel Caruth, chaired the Hillcrest Foundation and was involved in funding for school groups to experience the Ranch.
Bruce Davis joined Prude Ranch in 1998 as General Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations.
Current Day
Historic Prude Guest Ranch has also evolved into accommodating many other activities year-round such as hosting the Texas Star Party each year, providing organized horseback riding sessions for vacationers in the area, hosting many fellowship groups, public and private schools attend our outdoor education program, birding, excursions, corporate retreats, family reunions and vacations, sports fitness and medicine camps, square dancers, cycle-fests, RV rallies and AA conferences.
Today, Prude Guest Ranch is one of the few places left in the southwest where children and adults can enjoy wide-open spaces, scenic mountain ranges, pure air, and pleasant temperatures.