Pioneers came in all shapes, all sizes, all genders, and all eras. Making a home on the windblown High Plains was a challenge for prehistoric man, even as it continues to test the perseverance and ingenuity of those who live here today. Our museum has a number of exhibits that use original artifacts to interpret the homes and living conditions of early Anglo settlers and residents. From the one-room schoolhouse to the well-appointed living room of an affluent family, our museum has numerous displays and artifacts that record the history of modern man in the Canadian River Valley.

Thomas T. McGee
(September 13 1849 - November 24, 1894)

Tom McGee was Canadian's first sheriff. He came to Canadian about 1884. He was foreman on Po Ranch prior to election as first sheriff of Hemphill County. November 23, 1894 in gunfight with 6 men attacking shipment of money at Wells Fargo & Co. He was mortally wounded and died the next day.

His widow went to England as a volunteer civilian worker in World War I. She died there and her ashes were return to Canadian for burial.

River Valley Pioneer Museum
rvmuseum@cebridge.net
PO Box 1201
118 N. 2nd
Canadian, TX 79014
(806) 323-6548

Hours of operation:
Tuesday - Friday 9am - 12 noon, 1pm - 4pm
Saturdays - 1pm - 3pm