Francisco Borges, circa 1905

Francisco (Frank) Borges was only 17 when he hopped a train to California, drawn by colorful stories of cowboys and vast ranches. He arrived in Vacaville and became a cowboy at the Chandler Ranch. There he met Mary Vieira, a cook at the Chandler home. They married in 1888, moved to Elmira and started a store there with Mary's brothers Manuel and Joe.

In 1899, Mary became ill with malaria. As a result, she suffered from chills and high fevers. A doctor advised the family to move to a milder climate. Frank became interested in some land in the Concord hills which a friend suggested might have a climate better for Mary's health. On a trip to San Francisco, Frank stopped and saw the land and knew it was perfect for raising both his family and healthy cattle. He bought 700 acres at $4.50 per acre from the Union Savings Bank.

With only one wagonload of household goods and a handful of orphaned calves, the Borges family arrived at their new ranch. The only building was a three-sided cabin nestled in a grove of apricot trees. The family lived in the cabin until 1901, then moved into the redwood house which still stands today.

Since then, Borges Ranch has gone from being a successful cattle ranch to the preserved historical site it is today.