Muleshoe, Texas, Bailey County seat; history, landmarks, attractions. photo gallery & travel. (original) (raw)
A Brief History
The railroad was responsible for the founding of Muleshoe. In this case it was the Pecos and Northern Texas Railroad that came through the area in 1913. Muleshoe was the name of a local ranch.
Muleshoe Landmarks & Attractions:
- Muleshoe Heritage Center:
Home of the world's largest muleshoe. Museum is in a restored Santa Fe Railroad Station. - National Mule Memorial:
Near the intersection of Hwys 84 and 70 in downtown Muleshoe. The statue was unveiled on July 4th 1965 and is said to honor the mule for its service in WWI. - Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge -
20 miles south of town on Hwy 214, you'll come to the oldest national wildlife refuge in Texas. Wintering spot for Sandhill Cranes. Prarie dogs live year-round. No hunting
Historical marker:
"Founded in 1935 as a wintering area for migratory waterfowl, Muleshoe Wildlife Refuge is on the "central flyway" in a chain of refuges from Mexico to Canada. Migrating birds begin arriving in August and remain until April. The largest wintering concentration of sandhill cranes in North America is most noticeable here from October through March. The site, covering over 5,000 acres, provides habitat for many other species of birds and wildlife. Muleshoe is one of several national wildlife refuges in Texas that protect migratory waterfowl, endangered wildlife species, or unique natural habitats. (1967, 1985)" - Coyote Lake
- Muleshoe Hotels
Muleshoe Chamber of Commerce: 806-272-4248
National Mule Memorial
Near the intersection of Hwys 84 and 70
downtown Muleshoe.
The Mule in Muleshoe
Vintage photo courtesy TXDoT
Mule memorial statue on US 84 in Muleshoe.
Photo courtesy Terry Jeanson, February, 2007
Muleshoe Heritage Center
Off U.S. 70 and 84
Museum in the restored Santa Fe Railroad Station
The world's largest muleshoe at
the Muleshoe Heritage Center.
Photo courtesy Terry Jeanson, February, 2007
"World's Largest Muleshoe" marker
Photo courtesy Terry Jeanson, February, 2007
Print Shop and Insurance mural
Photo courtesy Barcly Gibson, July 2009
Related Article
In Praise of the Unappreciated Mule by Clay Coppedge
Let�s talk about mules. Horses are quick to grab Texas history�s glamour and glory, leaving little attention for their homelier, obstinate cousin. Can you imagine the Lone Ranger charging to the rescue on a mule? While acknowledging the mule�s notable lack of charisma, old-timers are quick to point out that the horse/ donkey half-breed is a forgotten hero. more
Muleshoe, Texas Forum
This is a basically true story. Back in the 1970�s, a correspondent banker from Chase Manhattan Bank in NYC was out pressing the flesh with South Plains area bankers. She had just visited us in Lubbock and was headed for Littlefield, Amherst and points northwest. Just after lunch she called our correspondent banking manager and said her car had broken down. The banker asked where she was. She said she really didn�t know (it all looks alike out there, you know) but that there was a highway sign that said �mull-s-hoe� 15 miles. The banker, somewhat taken aback, asked her to pronounce it again. She did. He just laughed, gave her the correct pronunciation and proceeded to make fun of her for the next few weeks. - Russell Carter, Dallas, November 22, 2004
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