Honoring the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum in Cleburne.

89(R) HR 789 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

H.R. No. 789

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum in Cleburne draws

on Johnson County's connection to the epic era of cattle drives and

serves as a memorable showcase for the rich history of the local

area as well as that of the wider state; and

WHEREAS, From the mid-1860s to the mid-1880s, the Chisholm

Trail served as one of the primary routes by which Texas ranchers

drove cattle to distant rail towns in Kansas; the trail passed

through Johnson County, and the museum occupies a 10-acre site at

the location of Wardville, the first county seat; the site includes

several structures from the 1800s, including the Nolan River

School, a mule barn, and the original Johnson County log

courthouse; and

WHEREAS, The Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum also features a

vast collection of period items, which can be seen at the Douglas

Harman Chisholm Trail Artifacts and Western Memorabilia Museum and

the Big Bear Native American Museum; moreover, visitors can immerse

themselves in the history of the era at the recreated Wardville

sheriff's office and jail and by viewing demonstrations at the

blacksmith shop; the stage station-saloon building helps evoke the

era when thirsty cowboys would ride into town to patronize its many

watering holes, and the restored stagecoach on display was used in a

number of Western movies, including two John Wayne films; and

WHEREAS, The museum hosts various educational events, such as

chuckwagon cooking camps and homesteading classes, and over the

years, more than 7,000 students have visited the grounds during

school field trips; in addition, the site serves as a venue for live

music performances, holiday celebrations, and powwows, and its

Pioneer Days event draws thousands of attendees each year; and

WHEREAS, The Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum has demonstrated a

notable commitment to preserving the heritage of the American West,

and it has become a popular destination for visitors and a source of

pride for area residents; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas

Legislature hereby honor the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum and

extend to all those associated with the facility sincere best

wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

prepared for the museum as an expression of high regard by the Texas

House of Representatives.

Kerwin

______________________________

Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 789 was adopted by the House on May

23, 2025, by a non-record vote.

______________________________

Chief Clerk of the House