In 1871 abundant opportunity in Texas lured Daniel Gardner to Fort Griffin, located near present-day Albany. In 1877 Gardner was one of 17 men who drafted plans for what would become one of the leading livestock organizations in the world, now known as the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.
In 1881 Gardner learned of an opportunity on the South Witchita River. Jerry Savage was running an operation under the Pitchfork brand and was looking to sell land, equipment, and stock. Needing financial help to purchase the land, Gardner thought of his cousin Eugene Williams.
The property Gardner and Williams purchased consisted of 2,600 Longhorn cattle, 70 horses, wagons, and camp equipment, but little land. Wanting to expand, the two found willing investors from Texas and St. Louis.
In 1883 the partners gathered to draft the bylaws and elect officers of the newly formed corporation known as Pitchfork Land & Cattle Co. Gardner would be elected as the general manager, a position he held until his death in 1928.
Six managers have served since, including the current manager, Brooks Hodges. The Pitchford Mand & Cattle Co. stretches over 180,000 acres and across three west Texas counties.