Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum

The historic 10,000 square foot Knights of Pythias Hall building, constructed in 1903, was totally restored to create the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum in downtown Cuero. In 2013, the Museum opened its doors to the public showcasing the ranching and western culture of South Central Texas through interpretive exhibits, research, and educational programs.

Exhibits

The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum 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. Also included are several display showcases of spurs by well-regarded Texas craftsmen that brings the story forward to present-day ranching and riding.

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