William Hagan started the Schmittel Ranch in the early 1900s with 160 acres in Saguache, Colorado. He purchased the brand in 1906, and the water rights were filed in 1909. The nearby Anderson Place as well as other land was purchased over the years, leading to 3,360 total acres of land owned and 2,240 state-leased. Sheep, cattle, horses, and native grass hay are farmed on the land. The homestead was patented in 1920. Kenneth and Mary Schmittel (daughter of William and Jenny Hagan) started managing the ranch after moving onto it in 1942. Kenneth served in the European theater of World War II. Kenneth and Mary’s son, David Schmittel married Verna Shoup and they moved to the ranch in 1992, raising cattle, horses, and mules. The homestead cabin built in 1915 still houses the family today.