Star-Telegram - Trying to Secure Trails' Place in History

News Article

Star-Telegram - Trying to Secure Trails' Place in History

By: Anna M. Tinsley

A legendary Texas trail used by cowboys to drive cattle to other states -- and that helped establish this city as a cattle and trading center -- should be protected, officials said Tuesday.

That's why Texas Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, both Republicans, are reviving efforts to put both the Chisholm Trail, which passed through Cowtown, and the Great Western Trail around San Antonio into the National Trails System.

"The Chisholm and Great Western trails are an important part of Texas' history and America's story," Hutchison said. "These trails helped develop Texas' economy and establish its livestock industry.

"They must be preserved for future generations to understand how Texas and neighboring states grew into what they are today."

This week, Hutchison filed a bill, co-sponsored by Cornyn and Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Inhofe, that asks the government to study the feasibility of adding the two to the National Trails System.

The system -- a network of scenic, historic and recreational trails -- includes 25 historic pathways, including the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.

"These historic trails ushered in the cattle ranching industry that solidified Texas' place as the leading cattle state in the nation today," Cornyn said. "Trail life is a lasting symbol of Texas and Western heritage.

"This effort will preserve these famous routes for future generations."

The Chisholm Trail: This major livestock route out of Texas, named after Kansas trading-post operator Jesse Chisholm, is believed to have run from near San Antonio to Fort Worth and Duncan, Okla., with alternate routes also moving cattle to Enid, Okla., Caldwell, Kan., Wichita, Kan., and Abilene, Kan., according to Hutchison's office.

The Great Western Trail: This route, on which millions of animals were also herded out of Texas, stretches from around San Antonio through Kerrville and Menard, near Coleman and Albany to Vernon and Doan's Crossing. It then reaches into communities including Altus, Lone Wolf and May in Oklahoma and north to Ogallala, Neb., according to Hutchison's office.

NATIONAL TRAILS

Among the pathways already on the list:

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

Florida National Scenic Trail

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

Old Spanish National Historic Trail

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

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