Miss Jane of gardening fame sent me a text. Texas Country Reporter had been to Frontier Texas in Abilene, Texas. She knew we were going through Abilene on our way to Andrews for the Class of ’63’s fifty year reunion, AND she thought Frontier Texas was someplace Lanabird would like to visit. She was absolutely right.
As we drove up we were greeted by the buffalo wind vanes that are suppose to face into the wind like real life buffalo do. Apparently, one buffalo did not get get the memo. These are impressive.
Frontier Texas also is the home of the Abilene Visitor Center. As you enter the building, a large bronze sculpture of longhorn cattle and cowboys fills the center of the room.
The present exhibit is Blood & Treasure on the frontier. For treasures to be claimed there was blood shed.
We were invited to:
Step back in time where you’ll meet and hear stories from the men and women who lived and died on the frontier. Learn how this area of Texas was transformed from open prairie – populated by buffalo and Indians – to the ranchlands and towns of pioneer Texans. (from the Frontier Texas website – www.frontiertexas.com.)
The museum features the narratives from the people – Comanche Warriors, buffalo hunters, explorers, pioneer women, entrepreneurs, and fortune hunters – who lived and died in this area. The exhibits are filled with artifacts and multimedia exhibits – which include two movie theaters, and holograms.
Buffalo were the lifeblood of the Comanches. For over a hundred years, they had hunted the buffalo in this area. The buffalo provided them with food, shelter, and clothing.
A full sized teepee made of buffalo hides is one of the exhibits. Amazing.
Be still my heart. These are authentic Comanche artifacts – a buffalo hide quiver, and a buffalo headdress.
Perhaps the most fascinating exhibits were the holograms. The characters told the stories of the history of this area. It was as if you were sitting across from them and hearing their tales. Wow! It made the history personal to hear each character’s point of view.
In the late 1870’s, commercial buffalo hunters would kill as many as 10,000 buffalo a day. (That is what I think I heard.) The hides would then be sold back east.
The killing of the buffalo was disastrous to the Indians. It was cause for war. These are the real thing – scalps.
In the 1880’s the collecting and selling of buffalo bones became an industry.
The exhibits then focused on the importance of the frontier stagecoach route and trail drives in this region.
Each cowboy had a specific job.
The rifle collections are impressive. I know some people who would really understand these exhibits. I just thought they were purdy.
In the lobby, there is a gift shop. It sells books, jewelry, Texas Historical ornaments, Texas decor, toys, and food. I loved the Texas ornaments.
Frontier Texas is a most unusual museum. The use of the innovative multimedia exhibits really sets it apart. If you are passing through Abilene, do take time for a visit. You won’t be sorry.
Blessings to you and yours,
Thank you Miss Jane for the tip. We did like Frontier Texas, and I feel like I learned so much. It is unbelievable to me that all this happened after the Civil War. Live and learn.