World's Largest Muleshoe, Mule Tributes
Fort Worth was supposed to get this mule shrine, but Muleshoe lobbied the idea's backers that Muleshoe deserved the honor. Donations came in from mule fans around the world, but not enough for the planned bronze mule statue. Then a California company convinced the town that a newfangled fiberglass statue would work just as well. It was unveiled July 3, 1965, modeled from photographs of a Muleshoe mule named Old Pete.
Old Pete, now officially protected by the Texas Historical Commission, stands next to The World's Largest Mule Shoe, which is covered with real mule shoes. It bears an uncanny resemblance to the McDonald's corporate arches. Muleshoe's town limits sign features a kicking cartoon mule and welcomes all to the "Greater Mule-plex."
A historical marker next to Old Pete praises the mule's small hooves and notes that Indians would eat the pioneers' horses, "but let tough mule meat go by."