Las Damas cattle ranch was founded in the early 1800’s as a support to the mining operations, supplying meat, leather, mules and donkeys to the succcessful operation of the mines. The original name of the ranch, Las Damas, which translates to "The Ladies", derives from the female saint names given to the mines located along the Sierra within the boundaries of the ranch.

Those were challenging times to make a living in that sacred area as it was inhabited by the Chiricahua Apaches.  Many battles were fought between miners & ranchers and the Apacheria on this region. One of the most prominent battles took place in a location 10 miles north of Las Damas @ Tres Castillos, a place where the great Apache warrior Victorio was abated by the Mexican army.