Jesse Chisholm was a man whose history has reverberated since the mid-1800s and continues today. His namesake is found all throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. His name is forever enshrined upon schools, highways, festivals, and, the place I visited, his final restating place. The site is located at 35.726223, -098.290770.
Jesse Chisholm’s Story
Jesse was a trader who had many stores found in the modern prairie. He worked and sold items to cowboys who moved up and down the trail that would eventually be named after him. His trading posts were well known throughout the trail. Many cowboys relied upon his goodwill and help while they moved thousands of cows to slaughterhouses.
He was also fluent in many Native American languages. This allowed him to be an intermediary for many of the travels, cowboys, and government officials who traversed the west. He was said to have aided in treaties between the states and the local tribes.
One thing that I really found to be awesome was his epitaph. It said, “No one left his home cold or hungry”. Jesse’s warmth and friendship was so well known his family felt it was fitting to add those words to his headstone. I’m sure he helped countless people trade, move, travel, and meet the challenges of the frontier. It’s worth a stop if you’re in the area! Safe Trekking!