THE MARK OF THE RANGE
Saddle up for a journey into cowboy lore, where searing iron and resilient ranchers etch tales of ownership and heritage into the hides of the land.
A BRANDED LEGACY
Lasso in and come on down to the heart of Peralta, where the art of cattle branding is more than just a mark—it's a chapter in the story of ranching in New Mexico.
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Peralta's history is deeply intertwined with the ranching tradition. In these parts, the sizzle of branding irons tells a story that stretches back to the days of pioneers and dusty cattle drives. Here, cattle branding isn't simply a practical method of identification; it's a tangible symbol passed down through generations telling of legacy and hard work.
The legacy of branding irons evokes memories of dusty cattle drives led by pioneering ranchers who carved a life from this unforgiving landscape. Each brand isn't just an indicator of ownership – it's a testament to the resilience and dedication that have sustained this way of life for centuries.
DID YOU KNOW?
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Livestock brands have been called "the classical language of the American West."
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Painting in Egyptian tombs depict a cattle roundup and branding dating back to as early as 2700 B.C.
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To register a brand in the New Mexico territory prior to the 1900's, ranches paid a brand registry fee in the county clerk's office, and then wrote their name and drew their brand in a brand book.
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The cattle ranching occupation traces back to the Bible's opening book (Gen. 4:20); and identifying livestock by their special markings was practiced by the grandson of Abraham (Gen. 30:25)
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Early Anglo-American ranchers in Texas utilized the alphabet, and were unable to interpret Spanish and Mexican brands - referring to these as "¿Quien Sabes? (Spanish for "who knows?")
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Early Spanish brands were generally pictographs representing sentiments and passions.
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