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National Ranching Heritage Center facts for kids

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One of 19 life-sized bronze steers featured in Gibson Park in front of the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock, Texas

The National Ranching Heritage Center, located on the Texas Tech University campus in Lubbock, Texas, is a unique museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and heritage of ranching in the United States. Established in 1971, the center sits on a 27-acre historical park and features a collection of authentic ranching structures ranging from the 1780s to 1950s that tell the story of ranching in North America.

Visitors can explore the evolution of the ranching industry through exhibits that showcase artifacts, tools, and memorabilia. The center also hosts educational programs, annual events, and demonstrations that provide insights into the cowboy way of life and the crucial role ranching played in shaping the American West and continues to impact everyday life. With its commitment to preserving the rich cultural legacy of ranching and educating the future, the National Ranching Heritage Center serves as a valuable resource for both locals and tourists interested in understanding the nation's Western heritage.

History

On January 22, 2019, the Heritage Center launched an exhibit which shows the importance of the different breeds of cattle brought into the southwestern United States. The first cattle, explains the exhibit, were Andalusian brought to the continent in the second voyage of Christopher Columbus. Later breeds, such as Hereford, Angus, and the Texas Longhorn shaped the destiny of the American West.

Gallery

  • Barton House in Lubbock, TX IMG 0052

    The Barton House, an example of Queen Anne style architecture, was relocated to the Heritage Center from Hale County. It is named for Joseph J. Barton.

  • Corral at NRHC in Lubbock, TX IMG 1616

    U Lazy S Carriage House, owned by John B. Slaughter, was moved from Post to the NRHC.

  • Dogtrot House, NRHC, Lubbock, TX IMG 1603

    Hedwig's Hill Dogtrot House (1855) is essentially two log cabins under a common roof relocated from Mason County

  • 1800s Texas House

    Restored Texan pioneer house

  • Red barn at National Ranching Heritage Center, Lubbock, TX IMG 0054

    The 6666 barn stood near the home of rancher Samuel Burk Burnett in Guthrie until it was removed to the NRHC.

  • Jowell House, NRHC, Lubbock, TX IMG 1610

    The Jowell House (1872-1873) from Palo Pinto County is a fortress style residence, with an outside ladder to the second floor.

  • Jowell Cemetery, Lubbock, TX IMG 1605

    Because children frequently died young in the American West, the heritage center relocated this Jowell Cemetery (1876-1889) from Palo Pinto County.

  • Depot at National Ranching Heritage Center IMG 0249

    Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad at the Ropes Depot

  • Matador Ranch half-dugout, NRHC, Lubbock, TX IMG 1614

    This half-dugout (1888) in Dickens County was removed from the Matador Ranch to the NRHC.

  • Waggoner Ranch Commissary at NHRC in Lubbock, TX IMG 1613

    Waggoner Ranch commissary (1870s), relocated to the NRHC from Wichita County

  • Schoolhouse at National Ranching Heritage Center IMG 0252

    One-room Bairfield Schoolhouse used in Donley and Armstrong counties until 1937

  • Box and Strip House, NHRC, Lubbock, TX IMG 1615

    Box and strip house (1903, 1907), with dual entrances but uninsulated, was relocated to the NRHC from Martin County.

  • Mail station at National Ranching Heritage Center IMG 0255

    Pioneer mail station (1875) relocated from Knox County

  • Windmill at National Ranching Heritage Center

    Starmill windmill at NRHC

  • Water cart at National Ranching Heritage Center IMG 0059

    A cart for transporting water from a well powered by a windmill

  • Harrell House at National Ranching Heritage Center IMG 0049

    The Harrell House, named for sisters Fay and Myrtle Harrell of Scurry County, was built in phases between 1885 and 1917.

  • Pioneer kitchen at National Ranching Heritage Center IMG 0251

    Pioneer kitchen in Harrell House

  • Dining room at Harrell House, Lubbock, TX IMG 1611

    Dining room at Harrell House

  • Pitchfork Ranch Cookhouse, NRHC, Lubbock, TX IMG 1623

    Restored Pitchfork Ranch cookhouse from Dickens County at NRHC

  • Ranch office building at National Ranching Heritage Center IMG 0056

    A ranch office building at the Heritage Center

  • Interior of ranch office at National Ranching Heritage Center IMG 0055

    Inside of ranch office

  • Los Corralitos Building at National Ranching Heritage Center IMG 0062

    The Los Corralitos (meaning "Little Corrals") Building was relocated to the Heritage Center from Zapata County in South Texas

  • Replica of Cannon Saddle Shop at National Ranching Heritage Center IMG 0246

    Replica of Tooter Cannon Saddle Shop at Heritage Center

  • Ranching Hours

    Ranching Center hours

See also

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