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Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the 2025 National Cattle Trails Conference! Join us as we celebrate the rich history of cattle trails, with the participation of organizations like the International Chisholm Trail Association, the Western Cattle Trail Association, the Great Western Cattle Trail, the Shawnee Cattle Trail, and the Goodnight-Loving Trail.
The conference will be hosted by the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum. This complex of buildings and historic site marks Wardville, a county seat established in 1854, just 9 years after Texas gained statehood. The oldest log courthouse in Texas (built 1854-1856) still stands here, along with a school, blacksmith shop, stage station & saloon, sheriff's office and jail, mule barn, stagecoach, Native American museum, life-size cattle drive silhouettes, and the relocated Wardville Cemetery. Cleburne is just a quick 30-minute drive from Fort Worth along the scenic Chisholm Trail Parkway, making it a perfect destination for all trail enthusiasts!
In 1867, Joseph G. McCoy, an Illinois livestock dealer, partnered with the Kansas-Pacific Railroad to establish a cattle shipping terminal in Abilene, Kansas, making it one of the first cow towns in America. McCoy recognized that Texas Longhorns, which could be purchased for just $2 in Texas, were worth nearly ten times that amount in the booming Northern markets. To capitalize on this opportunity, McCoy aggressively advertised in Texas, encouraging cattlemen to drive their herds north along the Chisholm Trail to Abilene. He was the first to exploit the expanding railroad network to efficiently transport cattle to distant markets. McCoy's efforts significantly boosted the importance of the Chisholm Trail, as it became the primary route for driving cattle to Abilene and beyond.
Prepare for an exciting conference lineup that includes engaging speakers, insightful legislative updates, fascinating tours, delicious food, and a whole lot of Texas-style fun!
Interested in attending? Get on the list for updates, and to be notified when registration opens.