Yoakum Heritage Museum

About Us:

Visitors to the Yoakum Heritage Museum need only to look for signs directing them to the museum located on two thoroughfares, Gonzales Street and State Highway 111. It is located across the street from a school on Simpson Street. The museum was established in 1981 by a group of citizens who strongly believed that the colorful and unique history of Yoakum should not be forgotten. The cattle industry, leather factories, railroad roundhouse, tomato growing and shipping kept a thriving city going for many years. Home for the museum is located in the Elkins Home. The Elkins family gained fortune through a chain of five and dime stores. The family of their grandson, W.O. Bill Browning donated the home in mint condition to be used as a museum. Previously, the museum was located in back of the fire station in the vacant home and office of Dr. Boyd, a local physician during the heyday of early Yoakum. On site of the museum is an original carriage house which housed the carriage, horses, and hay for transportation of the Elkins family.

The Yoakum Heritage Museum was built in the early 1900s by the J.K Elkins family. This antebellum home continued as the residence for the Elkin's family until 1986 when Mary Bell Browning formally deeded the family home to the community.

The museum is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture, featuring the original stained and beveled glass windows and ornate staircase along with other unique features.

Serving the community as a remembrance of its history and roots, the museum contains history, culture and artifacts of Yoakum and the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroads.

Ongoing exhibits include the Leather Room, the Military Room and the Train Room. The Leather Room features a photographic history of the leather industry in Yoakum with exquisite, hand-tooled saddles on display. The Military Room houses historic artifacts from the civil War through the Vietnam War. Displays include souvenirs from local residents who served our country. The Train Room tells the history of Yoakum's railways with artifacts from the early railroad days on display.

In addition to ongoing exhibits, the Museum hosts several special exhibits throughtout the year including a spring exhibit, such as "Tea Party"or "Quilt Display", Tom Tom Display, Rail Days Display and Christmas Tree Forest.