Bob Bullock Texas History Museum

After exploring the museum I found that there are two animals that had a major impact on the history of Texas, the Horse and the Longhorn. On the first and second floor of the Museum horses are a major theme. One of the first things you see when you walk into the museum on the first floor is a Spanish conquistador looking very noble perched upon his steed. In the early history of Texas the Spanish horses transformed life for the native peoples. Spanish explorers brought horses to America in 1400 and they were very useful. They used them to hunt buffalo, carry possessions, travel long distances and even as valuable trade items. Horses allowed the people to develop a new mobile way of life. From the people's point of view horses were a great new commodity, but I am not so sure the horses felt the same way. Long days of hard work in the hot texas heat probably wore them out. Although the horses had to work hard they probably developed a sense of loyalty to their owners since horses became such an important part of a Texans life. The second floor reiterates the Texans new found dependence on horses. The development of the idea of a Cowboy became a specifically Texan theme. These cowboys were very dependent on their horses and were always depicted either riding a horse or standing next to it. Another dependency on horses can be seen through the civil war in Texas. During the civil war many Texans fought for the Confederacy by joining the calvary. So many joined the calvary because it was said that, "No Texan walks a yard if he can help it." Upon walking up to the third floor you immediately notice the huge Longhorn statues. Longhorn cattle is a huge part of life in Texas. They are a hybrid breed descended from Spanish stock and English cattle. They are strong, ornery, and they weigh over a ton. They were almost bred to extinction but were saved by the Texas Forest Service. Longhorns were a very important part of ranches in Texas. Again, Texans showed a reliability on animals as a life source. I'm sure the Longhorns loved the large open plains they got to graze and enjoy in Texas. They were probably a little perturbed when they had to travel long distances during cattle drives and they probably did not expect the fate that awaited them. In conclusion, Texans have been very dependent on these two types of animals. Horses were used for a myriad of purposes including trade purposes, driving cattle, carrying supplies and even in the military. Longhorns on the other hand became a staple part of the Texas ranch and are still seen as a symbol of Texas today.