In 1912, Ignacio Perez, a Roma man hailing from Yucatan, Mexico, laid the foundation for what would become the renowned Por Fin Ranch. With a vision guided by determination and resilience, Perez acquired 4000 acres of fertile land in the Durango Valley, paying $32 an acre. This significant investment marked the beginning of a legacy that would endure through the trials of time.

The Great Depression, a period of economic hardship for many, became an opportunity for Perez’s entrepreneurial spirit. During this era, Por Fin Ranch expanded its boundaries by an additional 6,000 acres, purchased at the remarkably low price of $10 an acre. This strategic expansion not only increased the ranch’s size but also demonstrated Perez’s unwavering commitment to growth and prosperity, even in the face of adversity.

The early 1950s brought about a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding Native American reservations. The implementation of the reservation termination policy aimed to dissolve tribal governments and assimilate Native Americans into mainstream society. As part of this policy, reservation lands were integrated into the states they resided in. It was during this tumultuous period that Por Fin Ranch acquired 5,000 acres of Ute reservation land, further solidifying its presence in the region. In 1951, the ranch created a legal document granting the Ute Nation half ownership of these 5,000 acres, a gesture acknowledging and respecting the land’s original custodians.

In 1964, Por Fin Ranch made another significant acquisition, purchasing 15,000 acres at $104 per acre from a massive bank foreclosure auction. Demonstrating their commitment to the community, they returned 5,000 acres to local ranchers so they wouldn’t lose everything.

By 1964, the accumulation of these strategic land purchases culminated in a sprawling estate of 25,000 acres, transforming Por Fin Ranch into the formidable entity it is known as today. This vast expanse of land stands as a testament to the tenacity and strength of the Romani people, reflecting their ability to thrive and adapt through generations.

Por Fin Ranch continues to embody the enduring spirit of Ignacio Perez and his descendants, representing a legacy of resilience, growth, and cultural pride. The story of its establishment and expansion is not just a tale of acquiring land but a narrative of a community's unyielding resolve to prosper against all odds.