The historic Empire Ranch has been a working cattle ranch for almost 150 years. Its rich history includes successive ownership by two prominent ranching families, two corporations, and finally by the federal government on behalf of the general public. Explore Empire Ranch Headquarters on your own. Signs posted throughout the Empire Ranch House describe the history and purpose of each room. A Walking Tour brochure, available on the front porch of the Visitor Contact Station and in the Living Room of the Ranch House, guides you through the Ranch House and the other buildings at Headquarters.