From the days of the Spanish missions until today, rich grasslands have made Wilson County prime real estate for grazing cattle. Floresville’s famous John Oatman Dewees, who with partner James S. Ellison moved 400,000 cattle up the Chisholm Trail between 1869 and 1877.

As the county grew, the need for a new, larger jailhouse grew as well. In 1877, a jailhouse was constructed out of stone and would house prisoners for the next century. Today, the Wilson County Historical Society operates a museum in the jailhouse.

The legacy of the Chisholm Trail, however, is perhaps best seen – and heard – at the Floresville Opry, where Country Western bands keep alive the old cowboy songs and ballads. Proceeds from monthly shows support the Wilson County Historical Society.

Watch our Land and Animals of the Chisholm Trail video to learn more about the Chisholm Trail in Texas. This video was produced for inclusion in our Chisholm Trail mobile tour found in our Texas Time Travel Tours mobile app. Download the app for more videos and travel information: