Northeast Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Abilene

Photographed by James Hulse, September 16, 2025

1. Abilene Marker

Inscription. 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 about 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 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 to 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

Erected by Linda

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Mitchell Davis.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. A significant historical month for this entry is April 2005.

Location. 35° 32.098′ N, 97° 28.943′ W. Marker is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in Oklahoma County. It is in Northeast Oklahoma City. It is on Northeast 63rd Street east of NE Grand Blvd. The marker is located on the grounds at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1700 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City OK 73111, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Oklahoma — Frontier Country.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Buffalo Bill (within shouting distance of this marker); Hells Angels (within shouting distance of this marker);

The view of the Abilene Marker along the trail to the Buffalo Bill statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 16, 2025

2. The view of the Abilene Marker along the trail to the Buffalo Bill statue

Steamboat (within shouting distance of this marker); Baldy (within shouting distance of this marker); Tornado (within shouting distance of this marker); Oil Derrick (within shouting distance of this marker); Adobe Casita (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Train Depot (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oklahoma City.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 52 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 22, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.