Kansas Chisholm Trail historic route sign

Description

The Chisholm Trail was the main route used for cattle drives through Texas, what is now Oklahoma, and Kansas just after the Civil War. Like so many early American highways, the route was originally a trail used by Native Americans. It first gained prominence to non-Natives when the Lenape guide Black Beaver used it to help evacuate Fort Arbuckle as the Confederates approached. Later, Black Beaver introduced the trail to Jesse Chisholm, a half-Cherokee businessman who owned trading posts in Kansas and present-day Oklahoma. The two formally established the trail in 1864.

The trail was quickly pressed into service to solve the problem posed by a glut of cattle that had built up in Texas during the Civil War. Cattlemen used the trail to drive the cattle to Abilene, Kansas, where they could be loaded onto rail cars to be taken to more profitable markets. Over time, railroads reached further and further south, and the Chisholm Trail got shorter and shorter. Eventually, direct rail access to Texas eliminated the need for the trail.

Our Chisholm Trail sign is a recreation of those used by Kansas along the modern roads that most closely followed the route between Caldwell and Abilene. It is made to the exact state standards used between 1962 and 1978. Every detail of the sign has been accurately replicated using photos of the original signs. It makes a great addition to any room of the house that could use a touch of old prairie charm.

Our Chisholm Trail sign is printed on heavy 14-gauge steel. It is non-reflective, with a glossy finish that allows it to be installed indoors or outdoors. Mounting holes are included for easy installation. Take your pick from the following sizes:

• 12 in. × 12 in.
• 15 in. × 15 in. (the size of the original markers; this one features the special extra-rounded safety corners Kansas used at the time)
• 24 in. × 24 in.
• 36 in. × 36 in.

Is there another historic trail you’d like a sign for, in Kansas or elsewhere? We can make just about any road sign you can think of! If you know of a sign and don’t see it on our site, just contact Jake to place a custom order!