The Matador Land And Cattle Company

In 1878, Texas cattleman Henry H. Campbell sold a herd of longhorns in Chicago, partnered with banker A. M. Britton, and established a ranch in Motley County, Texas. A year later, they formed the Matador Cattle Company, which was sold in 1882 to Scottish investors who incorporated it as the Matador Land and Cattle Company, Limited. Campbell stayed on as superintendent, overseeing improvements like fencing and water infrastructure. In 1890, Scottish cattleman Murdo Mackenzie became manager, enhancing the herd with purebred stock until his resignation in 1912, when his nephew John MacBain took over. By 1933, the company controlled nearly 900,000 acres across North America and, after weathering the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, was eventually sold to various individuals and groups.