Since the introduction of cattle, horses, and other livestock by Spaniards in the late 1600s, ranching has continued to be a mainstay of the Valley’s rural economy.

Most of the earliest cattle ranches were established at mission communities, but to attract settlers to the area and thereby increase productivity in the region, the Spanish and Mexican governments also offered substantial land grants.

Unfortunately, few settlers resided on their land grants due to threat of Apache attacks. Instead, many lived in military or mission communities for defense, venturing out occasionally to their ranches and check on their livestock.

This pattern persisted until the American Territorial period when the arrival of the military offered ranchers protection. Then American and Mexican ranchers established new ranches and homesteads, often sharing labor and mutual assistance.

Today, the interplay of Hispanic, American, Mexican, and Native American ranching continues this historical and living tradition, providing a link to the past and to the future.

Meet Louise Serpa, the first female photographer allowed to photograph inside the rodeo arena.

Read more about our Ranching Traditions here.