King Ranch Saddle Shop

To tell the story of the John B. Ragland Mercantile Building, you first have to talk about the King Ranch Saddle Shop.  The leather goods business of the Saddle Shop originated in the chaotic years following the Civil War.  Captain Richard King recognized that ranching in South Texas demanded not only good men, horses, and cattle, but also outstanding gear.

The Store’s interior features the Saddle Shop’s renowned leather goods.  In addition, taxidermy displays illustrate the abundant wildlife of the Ranch.  Since 1990, all King Ranch leather goods have a new stamp.    Because of the great care King Ranch took in the restoration of the John B. Ragland Mercantile Company Building to its original 1909 design, in 1991, the Ragland’s building received both the “Best Store Interior” and “Best Rehabilitation Project” awards from the Texas Downtown Association.  In addition, the United States Department of the Interior listed the John B. Ragland Mercantile Company Building on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

Today, the King Ranch Saddle Shop operates in the John B. Ragland Mercantile Store in Kingsville, and has locations at City Centre in Houston, and a shop in College Station, Texas, with more, planned on the way. Find more information about our vast history here.