McCook, TX 78541 - Hidalgo County

EB Barton Hunting Club (a.k.a El Saeno)

Very seldom do you see historic ranches come available in the South Texas Media Luna corridor.

It's not often you have the opportunity to link its history to a historical event as pivotal to the state as the Texas Revolution. Not only has the property been owned by the same family since 1880, but that set of owners bought it from Elder B. Barton, who received the ranch in exchange for his role in Texas' war for independence from Mexico.

Barton fought in the Battle of San Jacinto, the last conflict of the Texas Revolution, which took place in 1836 near present-day La Porte. After the war was over, veterans who fought in key battles were awarded land across the state, usually around 640 acres, according to the Bullock Museum.

After the war, Barton, who was reportedly born in New York in 1806, moved to South Texas, married and proceeded to have 16 children, according to a Hidalgo County historical marker.

Barton received a couple of different land grants, the San Jacinto Museum notes, and according to the listing for EB Barton Ranch, this particular one he sold to distant relatives of his around 1840.

This ranch was purchased by new ownership in 2024. The property is basically untouched since the 1800s. Unlike most properties in the area, the land at EB Barton Ranch was never cleared, has allowed the virgin brush to thrive and be home for a number of unique native species. The absence of cattle overgrazing has greatly added to the stability of the habitat as well. For the better part of 20 years the property was under the same hunting lease with lessees that were impeccable stewards of the land and helped maintain the habitat and native wildlife.

New ownership wants to afford more individuals and their families the privilege of being a part of the historic story continuing to play itself out at this storied ranch. This is an opportunity to be a part of history by owning a piece of it. Very large neighbors include the historic Arrowhead Ranch, Garza Family, Franco Family, and in close proximity to the McAllen Family Ranch.

The property has power run throughout the tract, 3 water wells, multiple water stations, and a very well-planned roadway system. Two year-round water tanks are on the tract. One of these is stocked and ready for your weekend fishing excursions. No existing or old production are located on the property either.

Ranches will be subject to POA and other use restrictions. Land divisions are negotiable.