Abilene - Oklahoma City, OK - Animal Memorials on Waymarking.com

In a lovely garden and pond area to the south side of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is a monument to Abilene, a long time resident and attraction at the Museum.

The monument is a set of wooden posts, with a wood crossbar engraved with the name "ABILENE." A bronze plaque hanging beneath the name tells the story of this beloved steer.

The plaque reads: "In 1967, Oklahoma businessman Percy Jones donated a Texas Longhorn steer named Abilene to the museum. “Ab,” as the steer was nicknamed stood five feet nine inches tall, weighed 2,100 pounds and had an overall horn spread of eight feet. Abilene’s magnificent size and appearance made him a tremendous public relations ambassador.

"Sporting his blue and white satin blanket, Abilene appeared as the Museum’s mascot at major events, rodeos, and and town parades throughout the West. Museum employee, Mac McClain looked after the Longhorn and transported him to various promotional activities in a custom-made stock trailer. Abilene resided on the museum grounds in a specially constructed corral from 1967 until 1970. Thousands of children and adults came to see the living example of a bygone era, and he became one of the favorite attractions at the Museum until his death in 1970. He was laid to rest near this spot.

This marker was made possible through a generous donation by long time member of the Board of Trustees, Linda Mitchell Davis of Cimarron New Mexico. Dedicated upon the Museum’s 50th anniversary, April 2005."

NOTE: Admission is required to visit the outdoor garden area. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.
Address: 1700 N. E. 63rd Street
Phone: 405-478-2250
Admission (2011)
Adults $12.50, Seniors 62+ & Students $9.75
Children 4-12 $5.75 - Children under 3 Free

Type of Memorial: plaque Type of Animal: other

Visit Instructions:
Proof of visit is required. The easiest proof is a gps photo of the memorial. GPS photos will always be acceptable proof. Individual waymarks may ask for an alternative type of proof of visit.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   08/12/2023 FLMathfreak visited it