Alfred S. Gage (1860-1928)
Alfred S. Gage moved from Vermont to Texas in 1879 at age 19 to join his brother Edward who had acquired land in Presidio and Pecos counties. After working on some ranches in North Texas, Gage moved to Marathon in 1881 to take charge of a small herd of cattle his brother owned, earning $100 a month.
By 1912, Gage acquired full ownership of his brothers cattle company having suffered through the drought and agricultural depression of the 1880’s and early 90’s. Gage continued to acquire land in the area until he owned much of the most valuable land in the Trans-Pecos area. Gage moved to San Antonio in the early twentieth century and was a leading businessman there serving for many years as the President of the San Antonio Water Company.
In 1927 he built the Gage Hotel as a ranch office and for a comfortable place to stay on visits to the area. Gage died in June 1928 from surgery complications, unable to fully enjoy his hotel. Upon his death he was remembered as a man who "...never went back on a friend and never endeavored to get the best of any by any unfair means. He was always ready to do what he could for the benefit of the people and community."
Today, Marathon - and the Big Bend - benefit from his desire to bring a well- designed hotel to the region.
By 1912, Gage acquired full ownership of his brothers cattle company having suffered through the drought and agricultural depression of the 1880’s and early 90’s. Gage continued to acquire land in the area until he owned much of the most valuable land in the Trans-Pecos area. Gage moved to San Antonio in the early twentieth century and was a leading businessman there serving for many years as the President of the San Antonio Water Company.
In 1927 he built the Gage Hotel as a ranch office and for a comfortable place to stay on visits to the area. Gage died in June 1928 from surgery complications, unable to fully enjoy his hotel. Upon his death he was remembered as a man who "...never went back on a friend and never endeavored to get the best of any by any unfair means. He was always ready to do what he could for the benefit of the people and community."
Today, Marathon - and the Big Bend - benefit from his desire to bring a well- designed hotel to the region.