Chisholm Trail

In 1867, Joseph G. McCoy built stockyards in Abilene, Kansas. Working a deal with the railroad, he built cattle pens near the new railheads. Surveyors marked a more direct route through Indian Territory south to Texas. They followed Jesse Chisholm’s trade roads between his trading posts. With McCoy’s encouragement, Texas cattlemen began to drive their herds to his stockyards. It is estimated that 5,000,000 head of cattle reached Kansas City over the Chisholm Trail. This legendary trail, used for cattle drives from 1867 to 1884 remains one of the most recognizable points of Texas heritage. And Fort Worth, the last major stop before the cattle and cowboys took to the plains, became forever associated with the trail, and is today fondly called “Cowtown.” An exhibit exploring Fort Worth and The Chisholm Trail is in its new home at the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Located in the historic Fort Worth stockyards, the Museum is open every day. Call 817 626 7131 for hours and admission fees.