The Four Sixes

Quanah Parker and Burk Burnett

Burk Burnett began moving cattle from South Texas in 1874 to near present-day Wichita Falls, where he established his ranch headquarters in 1881. Changing weather patterns and severe drought caused grasslands to wither and die in Texas. So Burnett and other ranchers met with Comanche and Kiowa tribes to lease land on their reservation—nearly one million acres just north of the Red River in Oklahoma.

Burnett developed an important relationship and strong friendship with Comanche Chief Quanah Parker (circa 1845-1911). Quanah’s mother was the white woman Cynthia Ann Parker, who was captured in a raid on Parker’s Fort in 1836. She married Peta Nocona, war chief of the Noconi band of the Comanches. Quanah grew to be a great leader of his people and eventually a friend of white leaders and ranchers in the Southwest.

Burnett kept running 10,000 cattle until the end of the lease. The cattle baron had a strong feeling for Indian rights, and his respect for them was genuine. Where other cattle kings fought Indians and the harsh land to build empires, Burnett learned Comanche ways, passing both the love of the land and his friendship with the Indians to his family. As a sign of their regard for Burnett, the Comanches gave him a name in their own language: “MAS-SA-SUTA,” meaning “Big Boss.”

Parker earned the respect of American governmental leaders as he adapted to the white man’s life becoming a prosperous rancher in Oklahoma. His spacious, two-story Star House had a bedroom for each of his seven wives and their children. He had his own private quarters, which were rather plain. Beside his bed were photographs of his mother, Cynthia Ann, and sister, Prairie Flower. Parker’s hospitality was well-known by many influential people who were hosted by the Comanche leader. Among Quanah’s visitors, red and white, was the well-known cattleman Charles Goodnight, who, interestingly, preferred to sleep on the porch.

Of all his white acquaintances, Parker counted Burk Burnett the best. He is quoted as having said: “I got one good friend, Burk Burnett, he big-hearted, rich cowman. Help my people good deal. You see big man hold tight to money, afraid to die. Burnett helped anybody.”

Mumsukawa, highly regarded Medicine Man and "Lance Keeper" of the Comanche

Through the long friendship between Parker and Burnett, many gifts were given to the cattleman by the Comanche Chief and his wives. These gifts included headdresses, beautiful beaded items, clothing and ceremonial lances. The lances are considered extremely sacred by leaders of the Comanche Nation. While curating the current exhibit, several unexplainable situations occurred to staff and Comanche representatives while working with the Parker items. Truly, the spirit of the great Chief may be felt by some who view his possessions.

The Quanah Parker items remained in the Four Sixes Ranch house long after Burnett’s death. The Burk Burnett Quanah Parker Collection was given to the National Ranching Heritage Center by the cattleman’s great-great-granddaughter, Anne Marion, current owner of the Four Sixes.

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