84R13792 RMA-D
By: Springer H.C.R. No. 94
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Both the Chisholm Trail and the Great Western Trail
contributed immeasurably to the agricultural boom in the United
States in the 19th century, and their far-reaching effects on the
country's culture, their historical significance, and their
potential for recreational use make them prime candidates for
designation as National Historic Trails; and
WHEREAS, The Chisholm Trail was formed in 1867, when Joseph
G. McCoy and other cattlemen sought to expand the market for Texas
beef; the passage stretched from San Antonio to Abilene, Kansas,
and with each passing year, the number of heads of cattle shipped
along the route doubled until topping out at more than 600,000 in
1871; before its closing in 1884, the trail had been the route of
the greatest migration of livestock in world history, including
five million cattle and a million mustangs; and
WHEREAS, The Great Western Trail was established by cattle
driver John T. Lytle in 1874; it reached from San Antonio to Dodge
City, Kansas, and quickly succeeded the Chisholm Trail as the
principal thoroughfare for exporting cattle; by the last reported
drive in 1893, between three and five million cattle had traveled
north along its path; and
WHEREAS, The importance of the Chisholm and Great Western
Trails in American history cannot be understated, as they provided
an abundance of beef and milk to the industrialized centers of the
country and greatly changed the economics of the agricultural
industry, and these landmarks are truly deserving of being
designated as National Historic Trails; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby respectfully urge Congress to designate the Chisholm Trail
and the Great Western Trail as National Historic Trails while
ensuring that the private property rights of citizens along the
trails are protected; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward official
copies of this resolution to the president of the United States, to
the speaker of the house of representatives and to the president of
the senate of the United States Congress, and to all members of the
Texas delegation to Congress with the request that this resolution
be officially entered in the Congressional Record as a memorial to
the Congress of the United States of America.