In the fall of 1876, buffalo hunter Josiah Wright Mooar led his crew on a hunting expedition to the Texas Panhandle. They followed the old Butterfield Stage route and eventually ventured into what is now Scurry County. It was on October 7, 1876, when they made a remarkable discovery. While scouting for buffalo, Mooar and his crew spotted a white buffalo amidst the herd. This four-year-old cow was a true rarity, with her white coat being a natural marvel.

Mooar and his team stealthily approached the white buffalo and successfully captured it, marking the first animal killed by him in Scurry County, the very place where Snyder now stands. This extraordinary event made history, and the hide of the white buffalo became a treasured artifact with a legacy that continues to this day.

The significance of this white buffalo hide extended far beyond its rarity. Teddy Roosevelt, a prominent figure in American history, was so taken by the white buffalo hide that he reportedly offered Josiah Wright Mooar a substantial sum of $5,000 for it. However, Mooar declined the offer, choosing instead to preserve this piece of history.

The white buffalo hide's fame continued to grow when it was displayed at the 1904 World's Fair in Chicago. Millions of people from around the world had the opportunity to witness this remarkable piece of Texas history.

Even the Smithsonian Institute expressed interest in displaying the white buffalo hide at the National Museum in Washington D.C. However, the hide never made the trip to the nation's capital; it remained on the Mooar Ranch, where it continued to be a cherished family heirloom.

Following Josiah Wright Mooar's passing in 1940, his adopted son, Tommy McDonnell, and granddaughter, Julia "Judy" Hays, took on the responsibility of caretaking the white buffalo hide. For over six decades, it was preserved in the family ranch house, a testament to their commitment to preserving this piece of history.

The journey of the white buffalo hide took an important turn when Randy Hays, the son of Julia Hays, arranged for it to be displayed at Frontier Texas after his mother's passing. Sadly, Randy himself passed away only two years later, but his wife Jessie and son Shawn fulfilled his plans. Today, the white buffalo hide is on public display at Frontier Texas, allowing visitors to connect with a pivotal moment in Texas history.

The white buffalo hide from the late 1800s is more than just an artifact; it is a symbol of Texas history, resilience, and the pioneering spirit of those who settled this region. Its journey from the Texas Panhandle to being proudly displayed at Frontier Texas is a testament to its enduring legacy. As you explore the exhibits at Frontier Texas, make sure to take a moment to appreciate this extraordinary piece of history and the remarkable story it tells.