Texas Longhorn Cattle

One of the most iconic citizens of Texas are the famous Texas Longhorn cattle. Brought to Texas by the Spanish explorers and let loose in the inhospitable lands of Texas, the longhorn cattle did more than survive the harsh conditions, they thrived. These four-legged Texans with extremely long horns tamed the west and brought respect to the ranchers who herded these cattle to the stockyards far away.

In time, the longhorns were discarded by the buyers of beef as too lean and underweight. Their ability to live off the land was no longer required as ranches were able to fatten their livestock with purchased feed. The longhorns became a casualty of their best traits; long life and lean appearance. As the cattle dwindled in numbers and ranchers interbred, a few ranchers stepped up and decided to save the iconic Texas Longhorn from falling into extinction.

This is where Suzanne and I enter the picture. We learned of the Butler Longhorn Museum in League City just south of Houston. Eager to learn more about these fabulous creatures who adorn many hats and t-shirts of college patrons in these parts of Texas, we set out one Saturday to visit the museum. 

As we reached the large entrance door to the large three story home that houses the museum, we found it locked. Upon examination, we found a buzzer with instructions to ring if door locked. I rang the buzzer and as the huge door creaked open, I caught myself anticipating seeing someone like Fred Munster of the Adams Family fame poking his head out of the door. Instead a tall, friendly and very normal fellow opened the door and invited us in. He explained he just started a tour upstairs with some folks from out of state and wondered if we would like to join them. We eagerly accepted the invitation.

Surveying the large collection cattle horns on the ceiling and photos and artifacts on the walls, we were led around the room by our guide, Jaime. We felt a bit like the cows being led around the corral as we explored every inch of the exhibit. Jaime was so passionate and colorful in his explanations; one would have thought he was a Butler family member doting on his ancestors. We learned of the Butler family passion to preserve their beloved purebred Longhorn herd. From barbwire types to local cattle brands; from western garments to chairs made from horns; from paintings of longhorns to longhorn sculptures; there was something for everyone to see and appreciate.

In a separate room, our guide introduced us to various cattle mounts staged as if the longhorns were standing across the fencing on a ranch watching our every move. Jamie identified each of the animals by name as if they were his pets! He also talked about Mr. Butler’s experience with actor John Wayne and teaching John about ranching and the longhorns that would co-star in the movie “The Alamo” with him.

On the third level of the museum, we viewed more ranching artifacts such as pistols, rifles, farm & ranch implements, spurs and saddles. Our guide again explained many of the items that we saw to our delight.

We returned to the first floor where a sitting area and gift shop resides. In one corner of the room a full sized Texas longhorn stared us in the eye, his large, curled horns sitting upon his head like a crown on a king’s head. I truly believe this majestic beast is king of Texas and would love to see more of his friends as we tour his great ranch lands and see Texas Thru My Back Door!