Pitchfork Loading Chute and Corral

Corrals became part of ranching after the trail drive era ended and cattle were shipped by train to meat-packing centers. The corrals and loading chute located at the NRHC are original. They were provided to the NRHC by the Pitchfork Land and Cattle Co. in honor of D Burns, long-time manager of the ranch, which is located in Dickens and King counties. Burns supervised construction of the corrals to ensure its authenticity. At the dedication, he said that he hoped the Pitchfork Loading Chute and Corral would serve long and usefully.

“They are not pretty but hell for stout,” Burns said, “and are a useful tool in handling livestock.”