04/06/2026
The Butler Texas Longhorn – More Than Just Long Horns, They Are Makers of History (Part 1)
Over the years the genetics of the Butler Texas Longhorns have had a major impact on the Longhorn industry. This was not the goal. The goal was to preserve the iconic Texas Longhorn but there ended up being a more impact full result. The Milby Butler bloodline or Family of Texas Longhorns was formed from cattle in the eastern to middle Gulf Coast region. In 1923 Mr Butler decided to keep his Texas Longhorns pure and away from other breeds he was keeping. His original herds included duns from the Gulf Coast and white cattle with colored points from East Texas.
He occasional added good animals when he could find them. In 1931 he added a white cow from Phelps. A few of his cattle came from Esteban Garcia in Encino, Texas. One of these was Milby‘s excellent cow, Miss John Wayne, who appeared in the movie “The Alamo” staring John Wayne. The story goes that Mr. Wayne really took a liking to the twisty horn cow while filming the movie and tried to buyer her. Milby wouldn’t sell her but it is how she got her name of Miss John Wayne. The shoulder mount of Miss John Wayne can be seen at The Butler Longhorn Museum in Kemah, TX.
Mr. Butler had up to 600 head of Texas Longhorns, and spent a great deal of time studying them and pairing them up for specific matings. A large portion of his herd was sold and slaughtered at the time of his death. Those genetics were lost forever but a few of Mildy’s cattle found their way into the hands of folks that would work to preserve the Bulter Longhorn genetics. The Butler line is a unique East Gulf Coast line of cattle with few bridges to the other bloodlines. Butler cattle have been the foundation of many herds. Some of these herds continue to breed the line as a pure line, while others have taken advantage of crossing the Butler line with others to generate some outstanding cattle. Milby Butler liked very long horns, and this trait persists to this day in his cattle.
Become a part of the Butler Texas Longhorn Legacy by attending the 29th Annual Butler Breeders Invitational Sale on Labor Day Weekend, September 5th, 2026 in Lockhart, TX.
