What Kind of Texas Cattle Goes, "Beeeeep, Beeeeep?"

"The Texas Longhorn made more history than any other breed of cattle the
civilized world has known... he will remain the bedrock on which the history
of the cow country of America is founded."

— J. Frank Dobie, The Longhorns

Photo Courtesy of Dickinson Cattle Co.

One of the things that is distinctly Texan is the Texas Longhorn.

According to the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America, Texas Longhorn Cattle began their history in America when Christopher Columbus brought Spanish herds to Santa Dominga in 1493. In 1690, the first herd was driven from Mexico, and after the American Civil War these hearty cattle became money in the pocket of many men returning from war: the cowboys. By the turn of the century, however, the breed had been driven near extinction. In the 1920's, the Federal Government provided funds to preserve a herd of Longhorns in a wildlife refuge in Oklahoma. In 1964, the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America was formed to "recognize the Texas Longhorn and its link with American history, to promote awareness of Texas Longhorn cattle, to recognize present breeders, to encourage others to develop and maintain herds and to preserve for posterity this magnificent breed of cattle."

These animals are one of the prides of Texas.  You see Longhorn paraphernalia everywhere, especially in the Stockyards (hmmm, I wonder why?).  Heck, they even name football teams after them!

Here are a few photos I have snapped of them during the Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive:

Just another one of those unique, historical links that makes Texas so interesting to me.  I recently decided that I should combine my interests in history, all things vintage and Texas into a new hobby... collecting cowboy ephemera.  I love antiquing, and now this will give me something special to search for when I do get out to some stores.  Any finds I discover will be shared here, of course!

— E