Details for Route of Old Chisholm Trail

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5177000837

Data

Marker Number 837
Atlas Number 5177000837
Marker Title Route of Old Chisholm Trail
Index Entry Chisholm Trail
Address
City Gonzales
County Gonzales
UTM Zone
UTM Easting
UTM Northing
Subject Codes roads; cattle, cattle industry topics
Marker Year 1969
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location U.S. 90A, Junction East of Kerr Creek
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 18" x 28"
Marker Text Blazed by trail boss Thornton Chisholm on an 1866 drive from Cardwell's Flat, near Cuero, to Austin (Texas) and Missouri, this section of the famous trail was used until 1896. Over it thundered thousands of cattle headed for northern markets, where sale of beef meant cash to Texas cattlemen and economic growth during the post-Civil War period. Until the railroad was built from Texas to Dodge City, trails such as this were also the only supply line for U.S. forts, Indian reservations and large Kansas-centered markets.