Anvil Park Ranch was begun in 1891 by blacksmith J. C. Studer, who came from Kansas in 1886. His occupation inspired the Anvil brand and the name of the ranch. After 1919 it ran only purebred cattle and drew top cattle buyers. The spread grew from two sections to 5,000 acres. It became famous for its annual professional rodeo from 1918 to 1941, attracting top cowboys from throughout the nation, and many stars of the rodeo world started there. As many as 8,000 visitors viewed the 3-day performances. The ranch was sold in 1951 to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission for game breeding purposes.