Cole Introduces Bill to Preserve Oklahoma Cowboy History

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) introduced legislation that would assist in the preservation and recognition of the Chisholm and Great Western Cattle Trails. H.R. 2849, the Chisholm and Great Western Cattle Trails Act of 2005, would specifically designate the two trails for a study to determine the suitability of placing these trails within the National Trails System as National Historic Trails.

"It is time to ensure the preservation and recognition of such an important piece of history for the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and indeed, the country as a whole," Congressman Cole said. "Future American generations deserve to know the importance and origins of the great western cowboy, and their contributions to the success of the cattle industry after the Civil War."

The Chisholm and Great Western Cattle Trails were used in full force during the years between the late 1860's and the late 1880's by Texas cattlemen to bring their herds to the high-demand consumers in the east. These trails started in Texas from several feeders, and journeyed north, parallel to one another, through Oklahoma to railroad depots in Kansas where they were transported via railroad to the eastern states.

The Chisholm Trail runs through Jefferson, Stephens and Grady counties in Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District.

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