01/18/2026
The Legacy of Thorp Spring College :
From its founding to River View Ranch Resort in Granbury Texas.
Thorp Spring College founded in 1873 holds a unique place in Texas educational history. Located in the small community in Thorp Spring, the College was established by the Clark family, who played a pivotal role in keeping the institution running for over 3 decades. During this time, Thorp Spring College offered a range of educational programs and was an important center of learning in the region.
As the years passed, the College eventually moved to Waco, Tx, where it evolved into what we know now as Texas Christian University in Fort Worth Tx. (TCU). This transformation marked a significant expansion of the colleges mission, from a local institution to a major university with a national presence.
Today, the Legacy of Thorp Spring College lives on through River View Ranch Resort, which now occupies the property once home to the College. The Resort not only offers a scenic and tranquil environment but also embraces the rich history of the education and community that defined Thorp Spring College. Visitors to River View Ranch Resort can still feel a connection to the past making it a unique blend of history and modern hospitality.
Kreg and Arcelia Welch
1884 The Clark Family founded Add-Ran College, in Thorp Spring Tx