About Our Museum

The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum is a 501(c)(3) organization that was incorporated in 2000, but the story began in 1866, in the shadows of the Civil War and Reconstruction, when a handful of hardy souls from DeWitt County, Texas embarked on what would be an epic journey Northward on a cattle drive to St. Joseph, Missouri and into the legend of the Chisholm Trail.

The Board of Trustees of the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum began as a group of area citizens dedicated to the founding of, and perpetuation of, a museum to tell the story of South Central Texas' proud contribution to the twin legends of the Texas cowboy and the Longhorn. The oldest trail riders that could have told the tales of life along the Chisholm Trail have long since hung up their spurs, but the Museum's mission is to chronicle those formative years by focusing on the 50-year period beginning with Crockett Cardwell's now legendary cattle drive of 1866. Our museum will make a significant cultural, social and educational contribution by interpreting the historical relevance of a story which begins right here in our community.

We as a board have begun our own journey, of making our mission a reality. Early in 2002, the Board of Trustees voted to purchase the historic "Jewel Lodge" built by the Knights of Pythias in 1903. Designed by renowned San Antonio architect James Warhenberger, the lodge was built to serve the ceremonial and recreational requirements of the Knights of Pythias, a national fraternal charity organization, which was chartered by Congress in 1864 to begin healing the wounds created by the Civil War.

Historically, DeWitt and the five surrounding counties, Victoria, Gonzales, Lavaca, Karnes and Goliad have played important roles in the development of ranching traditions, not only for the state of Texas, but for the great American West. One of the best known and documented cattle drives to a northern market was one which departed from "Cardwell Flats" on April 1, 1866 just north of present day Cuero. Crockett Cardwell had organized 1,800 head of Longhorn cattle to be driven in two equal herds by trail boss Thornton Chisholm, also of DeWitt County. These cattle drives provided Texas an economic means of recovery from the Civil War, as they provided beef for northern markets and breeding of stock for ranches developing further north and west. A Texas Historical Commission historical marker is located four miles north of Cuero on U.S. 183, near the now legendary site of Cardwell Flats.

In 2002, the TNC created a Chisholm Trail travel brochure in partnership with Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife and Texas Department of Transportation. The brochure, which features maps and information on communities located on the legendary trail, plays an important role in the Texas Historical Commission’s efforts in attracting “heritage tourism” to the state by helping heritage tourists explore the lore and history associated with the legendary cattle drive route. The Chisholm Trail brochure highlights the mystique of Texas’ early cattle and ranching heritage and encourages people to get out and explore places and events that celebrate that history. To request a copy of the brochure, please contact the Cuero Chamber of Commerce by calling (361) 275-2112 or e-mail cuerocc@cuero.org. You may also contact the Texas Historical Commission for brochures at (512) 463-6255.

To become a member of the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum or for more information regarding the organization’s efforts in historic preservation and creation of a regional museum institution and community facilities, write: The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, P.O. Box 866, Cuero, Texas 77954 or see our Contribute page.