Coastal Cowboys exhibit features storied locals

GALVESTON— Those interested in history have a chance to delve into the origins and the progression of the cowboys of the Texas Gulf Coast, including a pair of local families. 

James Taylor White of White Ranch and Elmer Woodard Boyt of Boyt Ranch receive recognition at the Coastal Cowboys exhibit at The Bryan Museum in Galveston for being pioneers in the cattle ranching industry. 

“It just opened and people have really, really loved it,” said Stephanie Stafford, gift shop attendant. 

Stafford said she receives many calls a day asking about the Coastal Cowboys exhibit. 

“The exhibit has been well-received so far,” Curator Eric Broussard said. “It was the highest attended opening that we have had in the museum’s history.” 

During its opening, members of the White and Boyt families attended to show their support for their ancestors and to the museum. 

“It was an honor having members of the different coastal ranching families that we have highlighted in the exhibit, including the White and Boyt families,” said Broussard. “Their attendance and excitement about the exhibition made what was already a momentous evening for The Bryan Museum even more special.” 

Marie Hughes of the Chambers County Museum at Wallisville donated many items to showcase the history of the White and Boyt families. 

Items featured include a saddle, blanket, pots, rifle and more. 

A “Crossed W” cattle brand is the signature of the White family and was included in the exhibit. The brand was passed from James Taylor White, the Cattle King of Texas, to William “Bill” Cade White, fourth generation descendant of James Taylor White. 

The brand is still used today, making it the oldest Texas cattle brand still in use, according to the exhibit. 

Another feature of the exhibit is a looped compilation of videos from the various coastal ranches. 

The compilation features footage of cattle stomping across the coast, kicking up sand as the waves wash alongside them. Boyt ranchers direct the cattle in a smooth motion, acting as one with their horses. 

Some of the coastal ranchers were the first in the state to adopt technology such as fences, branding cattle and maintaining cattle health, according to the exhibit. 

Robert Monroe White, third descendant of James Taylor White, is credited with creating the first barbed wire cattle fence in Southeast Texas. 

The exhibit displays 100 types of barbed wire fencing, including its name and the year it was created. 

Between 1868 to 1900, 756 different types of barbed wire were patented. Currently, there are more than 2,000 variations in barbed wire, according to the exhibit. 

Jim Hodges, lifelong cowboy and co-curator for the exhibit, was quoted in the exhibit. 

“Through hell and hardship, love of the land, and the fortitude to build a grand idea, multiple generations of these pioneering families still run cattle across the vast coastal plains of Texas,” Hodges said. 

“His first-hand experience in coastal ranching ensured authenticity and accuracy in our treatment of the industry,” Broussard said. 

The exhibit features many ranchers and their impact on the industry. From the civil war to oil industry influences, the museum showcases the many adaptations of the cattle ranching industry. 

Those interested in history have the chance to visit the exhibit until Feb. 9, when it closes. 

The Bryan Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Thursdays, the museum is open until 7 p.m. 

For more information, call the museum at 409-632-7685 or visit https://thebryanmuseum.org/. The museum is at 1315 21st St. in Galveston.