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Clovis Today
By the People, for the People
Muleshoe Celebrates 50 Years of Working Mules
The city's National Mule Memorial commemorates its history of using mules for landscaping and tree trimming.
Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:00am
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Muleshoe's National Mule Memorial pays homage to the city's history of working mules that helped shape its agricultural identity.Clovis TodayIn 1961, the Muleshoe Chamber of Commerce issued a statement confirming that the city had two working mules, named Pete and Jack, that were the proud possession of local resident Dave Anders. These mules were used daily for landscaping and tree trimming work. This publicity campaign was part of an effort to build a national monument to the mules that helped build Texas, which was dedicated in 1965 as the National Mule Memorial on the north end of Muleshoe's Main Street.
Why it matters
The National Mule Memorial in Muleshoe stands as a testament to the city's unique history and commitment to preserving its agricultural heritage. In an era of rapid urbanization and technological change, Muleshoe has maintained a connection to its rural roots by celebrating the role of working mules in the community's development.
The details
The Muleshoe Chamber of Commerce issued a statement in 1961 confirming the presence of two working mules, Pete and Jack, owned by local resident Dave Anders. These mules were used daily for landscaping and tree trimming work around the city. This publicity campaign was part of a broader effort to build a national monument to the mules that helped build Texas. The National Mule Memorial was dedicated in 1965 and features a fiberglass sculpture of Anders' mule, 'Old Pete', as the model.
- In 1961, the Muleshoe Chamber of Commerce issued a statement about the city's working mules.
- The National Mule Memorial was dedicated on July 3, 1965.
The players
Dave Anders
A Muleshoe resident who owned the two working mules, Pete and Jack, that were used for landscaping and tree trimming work around the city.
Kevin Wolf
The Colorado-based artist who sculpted the fiberglass statue of 'Old Pete' that serves as the model for the National Mule Memorial in Muleshoe.
National Mule Memorial
A monument located on U.S. 84 at the north end of Muleshoe's Main Street, dedicated in 1965 to commemorate the role of mules in the development of Texas.
What they’re saying
“There are two mules working and making their home in the beautiful city of Muleshoe. These two outstanding specimens ... are known as Pete and Jack. They are the proud possession of Dave Anders, who daily uses these noble animals in his work of landscaping and tree trimming.”
— Muleshoe Chamber of Commerce
The takeaway
Muleshoe's commitment to preserving its agricultural heritage through the National Mule Memorial demonstrates how a small town can celebrate its unique identity and history in the face of broader societal changes. The memorial serves as a point of civic pride and a reminder of the important role that working animals played in the development of the American West.
