Congressman Cole Introduces Legislation to Protect Chisholm Trail

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole recently introduced legislation that will require a study to be conducted by the Secretary of Interior to determine the suitability of designating the Chisholm and Great Western Cattle Trails as part of the National Trails System as National Historic Trails.

"It is time to ensure the preservation and recognition of this important piece of Oklahoma history, and indeed, the history of the country. Future American generations deserve to know the importance and origins of the almost mythical cowboy, and their contributions to ensuring the recovery and prosperity of America after the Civil War," Congressman Cole said.

"Recent responses to Steven Speilberg's television series, "Into the West" and the commercial success of movies like Larry McMurtry's "Lonesome Dove" demonstrate a keen interest and desire to learn more about the unique development of the American West. Since the Chisholm Trail, traversing three states, was an original transportation route responsible for the largest migration of cattle in history spawning the beef industry as well as the legend of the American cowboy, it should be appropriately recognized for its substantial contribution in shaping the profile of our nation," said Dianne Stuart, Program Director at Chisholm Trail Heritage Center.

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. Here the cattle were transported via railroad to the east.

"These two trails played a central role in helping the country's economic recovery after the Civil War and helped contribute to making the legend of the cowboy," Congressman Tom Cole said.

This bill requires that a study must be submitted to Congress within three years of enactment of the legislation.

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