Historical Marker Program

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Hughes Ranch

Pittsburg County
Location: on OK-31 near Blocker
Topics: Environmental/Cultural Ecology; Ranching; Territorial Period, 1861–1907

The J.R. Hughes Ranch was founded in 1904 and occupied more than 25,000 acres where up to 4,000 head of cattle grazed. The ranch began when Hughes unloaded 3,000 cattle at Reams Switch in Indian Territory and turned them out into the open range. The ranch is now known as the James M. Collins Wildlife Management Area.

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J. R. Hughes Ranch

Pittsburg County
Location: on SH-31 near Blocker
Topics: Environmental/Cultural Ecology; Natural Resources; Ranching; Recreational/Service; Territorial Period, 1861–1907; Transportation

Historically known as the J. R. Hughes Ranch, the James M. Collins Wildlife Management Area occupies over 25,000 acres. At its zenith, 4,000 head of cattle grazed the land enclosed by more than 125 miles of fence. The Hughes Ranch began in 1904 when J. R. Hughes unloaded 3,000 Texas steers at Reams Switch in Indian Territory and drove them onto the open range. The Hughes family accumulated lands near Featherston and developed what became the largest ranch in the region.