Why was it known as the free state?
After Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836, President Martin van Buren didn’t annex Texas because Mexico threatened war.
During the Civil War, some residents of Van Zandt County believed that if Texas could secede from the United States, then Van Zandt County could secede from Texas.
These residents organized a government until they were threatened with military intervention. The secession attempt was unsuccessful, but the county became known as the “Free State of Van Zandt”.
Welcome to Pinoy Ranch, a 465-acre sanctuary in the heart of East Texas where history, nature, and wonder converge.
There is a pretty solid story that the majority of the ranch was won many years ago in a known card game that went on in Grand Saline for years. Yes, a card game in which someone actually “lost the Farm”! So don’t fall for any soft-spoken East Texan asking you to come by for a friendly game of cards.
There are 4 small lakes stocked with Bass, Catfish, and Red Eared Brim, who share the lakes with eagles, ducks, geese, and even a few beaver. Little Saline Creek runs north for 24 miles and empties into the Sabine River.
Some of those lights you see out there at night, might not be stars. There have been multiple sighting here on the Ranch of multiple colored lights moving in ways that are unlikely to be explained easily. There may or may not have been alcohol involved and we wont pass judgment but keep an eye toward the stars and you might get lucky. So far there has been no reports of abducting or probing going on but please let us know if tiny blue people with huge eyes ask you if you need a lift.