Texas LAND Spring 2013

Broad Oaks
Ranch
“...Broad Oaks Ranch is the
ideal location to find the
peace and privacy of the open
range yet retain the access
and amenities of the city.“
1,37 7± Acres | FM 1887 | Waller Count y, Texas
Located just 45 miles from Downtown Houston, Texas, Broad Oaks Ranch is the ideal
location to find the peace and privacy of the open range yet retain the access and
amenities of the city. A good mix of dense forest and open, fertile pastures
provide an excellent environment for abundant wildlife, horse and cattle grazing and
seasonal crops. With several high bluffs along the approximately three miles of Brazos River
frontage, the views while riding horseback are stunning. Sand beaches along the river are
easily accessible.
Broad Oaks Ranch is deeply rooted in Texas’ history. The ranch is the site of Jared E.
Groce’s Bernardo Plantation. In 1822, Groce, one of the Stephen F. Austin’s Old Three
Hundred settlers, built the largest cotton plantation in Texas. Bernardo was used by
Spanish military units during colonial days and provided a staging location for Sam
Houston’s army to prepare for the Battle of San Jacinto. The famous “Twin Sisters”
cannons were delivered to Sam Houston on the front lawn of the Bernardo Plantation on
April 11, 1836. Though the original structures are gone, evidence of the foundations is
present, and many artifacts have been uncovered by archeologists. The ranch is an ideal
conservation easement candidate because of its historical and riparian status.
The ranch currently supports cattle
on sandy loam soil pastures with a
series of two lakes and six ponds.
Approximately five miles of 8’-6” high
fence with galvanized post corners
and high-tensile wire encloses the
property (except for the river frontage)
and features two keypad security gates.
The extended oak-tree-lined driveway
draws visitors to the main headquarters.
Well maintained gravel roads provide
access to the pastures and navigate the
entire property.
38 SPRING 2013