[5] Its features include Conchas Lake, Mule Canyon, and 13 miles (21 km) of land along the Canadian River.

At that time, the land was located within Santa Fe de Nuevo México of the First Mexican Republic (1824–1835).

[4] Wilson "Waddy" Waddingham became the largest landowner in northeastern New Mexico when he bought the Bell Ranch land to add to adjoining 754,000 acres he had acquired.

It was a residence for his family and the place where he entertained notable government and business men, such as when he hosted a seven-course dinner on January 7, 1883 that was described as the "finest meal served in New Mexico Territory".

Vaqueros rode horses, acquired from Spain since the 16th century, to inspect the range and move cattle, using their roping skills.

[4] Vaqueros created center-fire rigged saddles that made it easier to move and maintain their balance while working the cattle.

[5] The ranch was acquired in 1970 by William N. Lane II of Chicago, chairman and CEO of publicly traded General Binding Corp., a maker of office supplies and equipment.