Historical figures and stories of the American West come to life at Frontier Texas, a history museum located in downtown Abilene.

Groups will experience the Old West unlike anywhere else as hologram “Spirit Guides” share their stories firsthand throughout the 14,000-square-foot, Smithsonian-style museum.

“There are a lot of attractions throughout Texas related to the Old West, but none compare to the true storytelling Frontier Texas focuses on,” said Jeff Salmon, executive director at Frontier Texas. “We fulfill a promise of showing people the true stories of the Wild West while mixing the experience with what visitors expect from pop culture.”

Frontier Texas
Credit: Frontier Texas

Frontier Texas’ hologram characters share a collection of first-person narratives that detail their experiences on the frontier between the years of 1780–1880. The characters’ vignettes provide a life-like experience for groups as they interact with historical figures of the past. The walking tour makes its way through nine sections of the museum’s permanent exhibit: “Blood & Treasure on the Frontier.”  

The tour begins with a 20-minute feature that plays on six different screens, providing a 360-degree experience that sets the scene for the characters, stories and untold history groups will interact with on their journey. 

Frontier Texas
Credit: Frontier Texas

“Groups will learn stories about real indigenous people of the Plains, what life was like for settlers as they moved west, the boom of the buffalo industry and even firsthand experiences of soldiers throughout the region,” Salmon said. “People who share their experience with us say our museum is emotional for them because our characters look you in the eye and tell you their own, personal story.”

Groups can opt for self-guided or docent-led tours and must call at least two weeks in advance to schedule their visit.

For more information, call 325-437-2800 or visit frontiertexas.com.

Article by Erica Zazo.