Exhibits Spotlight Facets of Western Heritage
Ride back in time with us, to the era of the Great Cattle Drives. Authentic artifacts – lassoes, saddles, a chuck wagon and more – tell the vivid story of the great cattle drive era, beginning with Thornton Chisholm and Crockett Cardwell’s epic 1866 cattle drive from Cuero to St. Joseph, Missouri. Our original movie narrates the true story of life on the trail, straight from the saddle. The Tinker Collection showcases the cultures of the Mexican vaquero, the South American gaucho, and American cowboys. A select series of photographs by explorer Edward Curtis documents late-19th century Native American culture, a central story of the American West. Recently installed, a showcase of spurs by well-regarded Texas craftsmen brings the story forward to present-day ranching and riding.