NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY
Fast Facts
- WHEN
- Celebrated on the fourth Saturday in July
- WHAT
- Celebrate the contributions of the Cowboy and Cowgirl to America's culture and heritage
- CREATOR
- Created by the National Day of the Cowboy Organization First in 2005
- VIBE
- Stoic, hardworking, code of ethic
NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY
National Day of the Cowboy falls on the fourth Saturday in July to recognize the stoic, hardworking symbol of the American West. We are taking the reins today to provide you with a bit of quick history about the cowboy.
#NationalDayOfTheCowboy
The word "cowboy" comes from the Spanish word "vaquero," meaning someone who managed herds of cattle on horseback. The era of the cowboy began after the Civil War in the heart of Texas. Cattle were herded long before this time, but in Texas, they grew wild and unchecked.
The Cowboy Code
Your Word is Your Bond
A handshake and a promise carry more weight than any written contract.
Live Each Day with Courage
Face hardships head-on and never quit.
Take Pride in Your Work
Whatever you do, do it well and finish what you start.
Protect the Vulnerable and Weak
Be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals.
Never Take Unfair Advantage of Someone
A cowboy never strikes a smaller man or shoots first.
Respect Others
Never touching another person’s horse or tack without permission.
As the country expanded, the demand for beef in the northern territories and states increased. With nearly 5 million head of cattle, cowboys moved the herds on long drives to where the profits were. As settlers claimed their land in the Southwest, the cowboy tradition was quickly picked up by aspiring ranchers in the U.S.
"We celebrate the Cowboy as a symbol of the grand history of the American West. The Cowboy’s love of the land and love of the country are examples for all Americans."
President George W. Bush
Early cowboys were often looked at as outlaws. However, this is a misrepresentation of the hardworking values early cowboys had. Among the grand backdrop of the Great Plains, the mythological image of the cowboy emerged. Living the cowboy life required a unique ability to adapt to a frontier world—one that demanded respect, loyalty, and a strong work ethic. Once the dust settled, the stoic truth of the American cowboy and cowgirl remained.
WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY
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Pull out your best boots, denim, belt buckles, and cowboy hats for the day and show off you best cowboy style!
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Support local ranchers and rodeo culture by attending a local rodeo, stock show, or visit a working ranch or Western heritage museum nearby.
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Watch classic Western movies like The Searchers or Tombstone. Read iconic Western authors like Louis L'Amour, Cormac McCarthy, or Elmer Kelton. Classic country/Western artists like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson or Patsy Cline.
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Host a western-themed BBQ and cook up classic trail meals like brisket, chili, cornbread, or Dutch-oven biscuits for family and friends.
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Share your photos of your cowboy Western gear, favorite ranch memories, or local cowboys and cowgirls using #NationalDayOfTheCowboy.
NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY HISTORY
According to the National Day of the Cowboy Organization, this day "...is a day set aside to celebrate the contributions of the Cowboy and Cowgirl to America's culture and heritage." The NDOC continuously pursues national recognition of National Day of the Cowboy. Currently, 14 states recognize this day. The first celebration was in 2005.
