Up the Chisholm Trail

                                                                              Story by Roger Edison

Up the Chisholm Trail Cattle Drive, Georgetown, Texas

The Georgetown, Texas local history museum sponsors the Old West festival with cowboys in period correct attire as they ride herding longhorn cattle along the San Gabriel riverbanks.  Part of the Festival includes a full Rodeo of Barrel Racing, Bronc Riding, Roping Events and Bull Riders. Other activities range from live music entertainment, trick roping, the western art show and a day of cooking from the Chuck Wagons that come from around the nation to participate in the Up the Chisholm Trail Chuck Wagon Cook-Off.

Texas State Railroad

The Texas State Railroad is not only a "Texas Treasure," it is the official Railroad of Texas.

The Texas state prison system established the railroad in 1881. Inmates built the line, which was used to transport hardwood which was used as fuel for the furnaces at the prison-operated iron smelter at the Rusk Penitentiary. The furnace supplied the State of Texas with iron products, including the columns and dome structure for the capitol building in Austin. The original construction was a narrow gauge line but was later built in standard gauge in order to join into the main line.

"SIX SHOOTER JUNCTION" Hempstead, Texas

May of 1865, General George Armstrong Custer had completed his US Civil War duties and was ordered to Texas to command a division of US Cavalry. Texas was of vital importance during reconstruction preventing the possible invasion of Emperor Maximilian’s Army from moving across the Mexican border. Custer had requested a leave of absence from the US Army to accept the position of Chef of the Mexican Calvary offered by President Juarez in the war against Emperor Maximilian. The requested was denied and Custer accepted promotion to Lt. Colonel. He first stayed in the town of Hempstead, Texas before being offered locating to the Capital City of Austin, Texas.

"Cowboy Capital of the World"

Off the hidden path of hill county roads rest a town known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” Those who have visited this town quickly understand why it is given this prestige title. Many visitors take the town in to get away from the big city life. Some come for the slower pace living. Even more come to visit one of the dozens of ranches near by. The town is known for great country music, the cowboy life and has a history of western culture.

The Swiming Hole

Through the many years, I have had opportunities to swim and enjoy an abundant array of swimming holes. Some merely creeks while others vast spots in the ocean. Although of all places I have swam, one place always comes back to being my favorite spot. A place one could swing from the rope tied to a large Cypress tree, jumped from the sides of cliffs into the chilling waters or relaxed in an inter tube on a hot summer day. This would be Edge Falls which someday, I hope to return an once more relive those great adventures.

I first went to Edge Falls as a young boy around 10 or 11 years old. My parents wanting to get out of the house on a Saturday afternoon decided to take me and my little brother Jimmy to the Falls. My two older brothers both who drove camped there the night before. At the time, it seem so far away from our home as my Dad drove along the narrow country roads off the course of civilization.

The Fort Worth Stockyards

Stockyards of Ft. Worth 

Fort Worth, Texas is home to some famous Cowboys and maintains “The Cowboy Way,” with the famous Stockyards where they run Longhorn cattle twice daily down the streets just as Fort Worth did over one hundred years ago for today's visiting tourist. Fort Worth host features like Billy Bobs, the grand dance hall of modern ages, Hell’s Half Acre and the renowned White Elephant Saloon, once owned by F.A. Borodino in the 300 block of Main Street. Western card shark — Luke Short ran the gambling tables for Borodino of the White Elephant to the likes of famous men on the western frontier like Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp, Charlie Coe and Ft. Worth’s local bad boy Timothy Isaiah Courtright. A bitter feud grew between Courtright, a former City Marshall of Fort Worth known by his nickname “Long Hair Jim” and “Little Luke” Short. On the night of February 8th, 1887 Courtright called Short out which turned into a gun fight on Main Street as bullets flew and shots echo the street.

The BUCKHORN Saloon

For over 129 years, The Buckhorn Saloon has always been known as a gathering place for good conversation, great food and spectacular wildlife exhibits.  Today, the saloon houses a Café, Gift Shop, Arcade Shooting Gallery and our two museums, the Buckhorn Museum and the new Texas Ranger Museum.