The massive stone structure had 11 bedrooms and was, indeed, a favorite place to host guests. Burnett’s hospitality engaged such well-knowns as Theodore Roosevelt and Will Rogers. Years later, many who visited the ranch were amazed to meet Big’un Bradley, a cowboy at the Four Sixes, whose visage they recognized as an early Marlboro Man from cigarette ads and billboards. Throughout the 20th century, guests at the house enjoyed its art and interesting pieces of history gathered during Burk Burnett’s travels.

In the main room, alone, visitors would see hunting trophies, exquisite art and personal items given to Burnett by his friend Quanah Parker and the Comanche chief’s wives. These priceless items remained in the house long after Burnett’s death and through several home remodeling projects. They were given by Burnett’s great-great-granddaughter, Anne Marion, to the National Ranching Heritage Center.

An interesting sidenote: After Burnett’s ranch headquarters was completed, he kept a bedroom in the southeastern corner of the estate but chose instead to sleep in the back room of the rudimentary Four Sixes Supply House down the road.

True to his vision, Burnett’s headquarters house became a symbol of the wealth and influence of Texas ranchers, and that legacy continues today.

Burk Burnett helps with construction of the Big House in Guthrie