September 17 – January 3rd
Access is included with your admission.
“Brave-Too-Much”: The Legend of John Coffee Hays
The Hays in John Hays Hammond Jr. is a tribute to his great-uncle, Colonel John Coffee Hays. Called “Captain Jack” by his friends and “Devil Jack” by his enemies, this lawman and soldier had a life and career so storied and successful that it has passed into legend. This is a rare case when legend is inseparable from documented history.
From Tennessee to Texas to Mexico to California, Jack Hays cantered along a trail of adventure and glory rivaled by few in U.S. history. Yet this Texas Ranger-turned-military commander-turned-Sheriff remained humble; our exhibit is not bound by such restraint.