With Special Guest Martha Ferguson

Join us for an evening of storytelling and history as Cheryl Lewis delves into the fascinating past of Rath City and the hide towns of the Texas frontier. Accompanying her is Martha Ferguson, a Hamlin rancher and owner of the Y6 Ranch, the very land where Rath City once stood.

Once a booming buffalo hide town, Rath City played a crucial role in the Great Plains economy before disappearing into history. Though the original town site was plowed under in 1971, its legacy remains—artifacts still surface after rains and shifting winds, and two marked graves, Spotted Jack and Lumpkins, serve as solemn reminders of the past. A stone marker, placed by historian Jack Lofton, stands at what was once the heart of the old business district.

Through historical photos, personal stories, and firsthand accounts, this fireside chat will transport you back to the days when buffalo hunters, traders, and settlers carved out a living on the Texas frontier. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from those who continue to preserve its legacy.

Be sure to explore the artifacts and visit the Y6 Ranch history through archival images—then step back in time with us.

Presented by Abilene State Park

Long before supermarkets and corner stores, the bison was the ultimate provider for Native American tribes across the Great Plains. Every part of the animal was essential for survival—its meat offered nourishment, its hide provided warmth and shelter, and its bones were transformed into tools and weapons. Even hooves and sinew played a role in crafting glue and bowstrings. More than just a resource, the bison was sacred—a lifeline that sustained generations.

Join Abilene State Park for this fascinating look at how Native Americans honored and utilized every part of this magnificent creature, ensuring nothing went to waste in their deep connection to the land.

Ken Burns’ The American Buffalo is a breathtaking four-hour documentary that spans over 10,000 years of North American history—but don’t worry, we won’t make you sit through all of it at once! Instead, we’re bringing you the highlights in three special screenings, each showcasing the most compelling moments.

In Part 3, explore the buffalo’s evolution, its deep connection to Indigenous peoples and the Great Plains, its near extinction, and the incredible efforts to restore this iconic species. Join us for a fascinating look at one of the most enduring symbols of the American landscape—without the marathon viewing session!

Ken Burns’ The American Buffalo is a breathtaking four-hour documentary that spans over 10,000 years of North American history—but don’t worry, we won’t make you sit through all of it at once! Instead, we’re bringing you the highlights in three special screenings, each showcasing the most compelling moments.

In Part 2, explore the buffalo’s evolution, its deep connection to Indigenous peoples and the Great Plains, its near extinction, and the incredible efforts to restore this iconic species. Join us for a fascinating look at one of the most enduring symbols of the American landscape—without the marathon viewing session!

Join BT Bison Ranch for a hands-on, kid-friendly presentation all about the American Bison! Learn about the importance of bison meat and its nutritional benefits, feel the texture of real bison hide, and check out authentic bison bones. This is a fun and interactive way to discover the bison and its role in history. Plus, you’ll have the chance to purchase BT Bison meat to take home!

You can also purchase bison meat any time by visiting their site: https://btbison.com/

Ken Burns’ The American Buffalo is a breathtaking four-hour documentary that spans over 10,000 years of North American history—but don’t worry, we won’t make you sit through all of it at once! Instead, we’re bringing you the highlights in three special screenings, each showcasing the most compelling moments.

In Part 1, explore the buffalo’s evolution, its deep connection to Indigenous peoples and the Great Plains, its near extinction, and the incredible efforts to restore this iconic species. Join us for a fascinating look at one of the most enduring symbols of the American landscape—without the marathon viewing session!

Join historian Henry Crawford for an immersive look into the technology and methods of buffalo hunting on the Texas Western Plains in the 1870s. This engaging 90-minute presentation explores camp life, firearms, ammunition, and the intricate process of skinning, meat and hide preparation, and transportation to market. Featuring a mix of digital images and historical artifacts, the program also highlights a remarkable treasure from the Museum of Texas Tech University—the Sharps sporting rifle used by legendary buffalo hunter John Wesley Mooar.

Having presented across Texas, Kansas, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Montana, Crawford brings a wealth of knowledge to Buffalo Gap—where history comes to life in the heart of Texas buffalo country. Don’t miss this chance to experience the frontier like never before!

About Henry B. Crawford

Henry B. Crawford is the former Curator of History at the Museum of Texas Tech University.  He retired in 2016 after 26 years of service. He has an MA in American History and Museum Studies from the University of Wisconsin, and he later studied Western Frontier and Economic History at the doctoral level at Texas Tech University. He holds certificates from the Smithsonian Institution Mid-level Professional Training Program and the Texas Historical Commission Winedale Museum Seminar.

A museum professional for over 44 years, Mr. Crawford has served on boards and committees of the American Alliance of Museums, the Texas Association of Museums, the Mountain-Plains Museums Association, the Texas Living History Association (of which he is a co-founder,) the Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums, the Western Writers of America, and other organizations nationwide. In 2019 he was awarded the prestigious Jack Nokes Outstanding Service Award from the Texas Association of Museums.  Mr. Crawford serves on the Board of Trustees of the Silent Wings WWII Museum.  Currently, he is the Model Railroad Curator and Trainmaster at the Science Spectrum Museum, and he is the immediate past president of the Lubbock Model Railroad Association.

Mr. Crawford has participated in living history and reenacting activities for more than 40 years, sharing his expertise through lectures and consulting on living history philosophy, techniques, and research at sites across the U.S.A. He has coordinated public living history events within and away from Texas. Through varied programs and numerous appearances, Mr. Crawford has earned the moniker “The Face of Texas Living History.”  In 2024 he received the Texas Living History Association Founder’s Award, their highest individual honor. He is also proficient in historic American firearms and horsemanship.  

Henry B. Crawford has consulted for various museums and agencies, appearing in television and video productions for the History Channel, Discovery Channel, PBS, the National Park Service, and the Texas Historical Commission. His recent media work includes “Protecting the Plains: The Story of Fort Griffin,” for the Fort Griffin State Historic Site visitor center, and “Packing the West,” a documentary series, both created by Boston Productions, Inc. He continues to advance history education and programming through his own living history and consulting entity, History By Choice.

Ballads of Buffalo Gap is a captivating local documentary that brings the rich history of our town to life through the voices of those who know it best. Emily Brown of Fluffy Rhino Photography has masterfully woven together interviews with locals, capturing their personal stories and cherished memories of Buffalo Gap. Spanning from the first homesteads to pivotal moments like the town going wet, this hour-long film preserves the history that has been passed down through generations. Don’t miss the chance to see your friends and neighbors on the big screen and experience the heart of Buffalo Gap like never before.

Free & open to the public