History of the Triangle T

The Triangle T Guest Ranch is located approximately 60 miles east of Tucson Arizona. Situated in Texas Canyon on 160 acres of gently sloping land, it is known for its distinct beauty. It's uniqueness lies in the incredible boulder outcroppings piled high in startling formations throughout the area. In just a few miles, visitors entering the area are overwhelmed by the dramatic changes rising from the flat desert to the rocky mountainous pass. The Little Dragoon Mountains on the north, Mount Glenn in the Dragoon Mountains on the south and various other mountains surrounding the Triangle T provide some of the most panoramic views of the immediate area and Southern Arizona.

With a moderate year-round climate, 15 degrees cooler than Tucson, birdwatchers, naturalists, geologists, writers, artists, photographers and many other professionals find a broad range of activities and experiences to enjoy - hiking, bouldering, hay rides, horseback riding, nature and horticultural walks, just to name a few.

In a short drive, guests can visit nearby canyons and trails into the Chiricahua Mountains, the Cochise Stronghold, Kartchner Caverns, or visit historical gravesites of Confederate Soldiers killed while defending the Butterfield Overland Stage station in the 1800's near Dragoon.

Located adjacent to the Amerind Foundation archeological research center and museum specializing in Native American cultures of the Southwest, the Triangle T Guest Ranch is rich in its own Native American History. Apache Chieftain, Cochise, and his band used the ranch as a summer camp for many generations. The ranch also holds a centuries-old sacred ceremonial location among the boulders, complete with petroglyphs and rock carvings.

Established in 1922, the Triangle T boasts a colorful and exciting past. In 1929, it came into the hands of Catherine Tuff, the result of a breach of contract-to-marry suit. Since then, Triangle T has been the site of many historical events. It was the center of intrigue during World War II. The subsequent rumors that high-ranking Japanese officials were detained at the ranch were recently confirmed by award-winning author Jane Eppinga, after years of exhaustive research and the lifting of the 50-year moratorium on classified information. Details of the incarceration of the world's "most wanted" war criminals are now available in the library at the Triangle T.

The bicentennial salute to the American Cowboy, "The Last Cattle Drive," originated at the ranch in October 1975 and ended 30 days and 350 miles later in Tucson with all proceeds going to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc.

Many diplomats and dignitaries including President John F. Kennedy, General John J. Pershing, and Dr. Leon T. Silver, a director of NASA (who had his Cal Tech geology students complete their thesis at the ranch each summer) were among the ranch's distinguished guests. A fairly well preserved brochure (c. 1930) found in one of the cabin walls in 1996 lists as references the home addresses of the Rockefellers, the Vanderbilt's, and other contemporary socialites.

Many artists, musicians, and writers have been inspired while working at the ranch and have included their impressions of the area in their work. Paul Scott Mowrer, the first poet laureate of New Hampshire, wrote "Texas Canyon, Arizona - A Writer Fantasy" in his well-known "Book of Poems." Others include: Philip T. Drotning, prolific writer, humanitarian and historian, honored by 5 presidents for his contributions to society; Francis Lee Jacques - wildlife artist; Olive Ewing Clapper; Walter Collins O'Kane; Lillian Smith and Larry Lewis, to name a few.

The immediate area has served as the location for many motion pictures and television productions including the TV series, "Young Guns," and the movies, "Geronimo" and "Tombstone." Western films featuring John "Duke" Wayne and the film "3:10 to Yuma," which starred Glen Ford and Van Heflin, were filmed on location at the Triangle T. Many of the landmarks and locations are still visible and accessible, evoking a feeling of the Old West as portrayed in these western films. More recently, the ranch was the site of a television production by Kenny Rogers.

Whether guests are looking for remoteness and tranquility, or excitement and western adventure, the Triangle T Guest Ranch and retreat center has everything to offer. Amenities include Lodging in our Historic Casitas or Bunkhouse, Full and Partial R.V. Hook-ups, Saloon and Mesquite Grill Restaurant, Swimming Pool, Recreation/Conference Building, Outdoor Campfire BBQ's, Horseback Riding, Hay Rides, Hiking and a Mercantile Store and much, much more.

You're personally invited to come time and again to experience our western hospitality and comfortable amenities. Combined with picturesque beauty and historical legacy, along with close proximity to Arizona's major cities, you will find the Triangle T Guest Ranch your ideal destination for seminars, retreats and special events.

Linda Kelly
Owner & Hostess