The story of DC Ranch dates to the time Dr. W.B. (Doc) Crosby first registered the DC cattle brand in 1885. A Wisconsin businessman, E.O. Brown, then claimed the land that would grow into a 43,000-acre cattle ranch and purchased the DC brand in 1901.

The last cattle drive from DC Ranch to the railroad in Phoenix took place in the late 1950s. DC Ranch L.L.C., the developer of DC Ranch, an affiliate of DMB Associates, Inc., partnered with the landowners in 1993 to create the premier community and inclusive landmarks known today as DC Ranch.