George McJunkin

Who was George McJunkin?

George McJunkin was an African American cowboy in New Mexico. He discovered the Folsom Site in 1908.

Born to slaves in Midway, Texas, McJunkin was approximately 14 years old when the Civil War ended. He worked as an oxen driver for freighters. He reportedly learned how to read from fellow cow punchers. McJunkin taught himself to read, write, speak Spanish, play the fiddle and guitar, eventually becoming an amateur archaeologist and historian. In 1868, McJunkin arrived in New Mexico and became a foreman on the Thomas Owens Pitchford Ranch. In later life McJunkin became a buffalo hunter and worked for several ranches in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas. He was also reported to be an expert bronc rider and one of the best ropers in the United States. He became foreman of the Crowfoot ranch near Folsom, New Mexico.