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National Day of the Cowboy

Saddle up and join in the celebration of National Day of the Cowboy! Get ready for some western-style fun with activities, discounts, and more.
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Cultural
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Country
United States
Introduction

Giddy up, it's time to celebrate the National Day of the Cowboy on the fourth Saturday in July! This special day was created in 2005 to honor and recognize the contributions of cowboys and cowgirls throughout American history. From cattle ranchers, farmers, bronc riders, trail guides and more - these brave individuals were fundamental in developing our country. So don't forget to pay tribute to all the hardworking men and women who helped shape America into what it is today!

History of National Day of the Cowboy

National Day of the Cowboy Dates

National Day of the Cowboy Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cowboy Era Origins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The cowboy era began in earnest following the Texas Revolution in 1836, with the cowboy lifestyle becoming an iconic symbol of the American West.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1866</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Cattle Drive</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first major cattle drive from Texas along the Chisholm Trail to the railheads in Kansas took place.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1903</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"The Great Train Robbery"</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Western film, "The Great Train Robbery", was released, popularizing cowboy culture on the silver screen.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1925</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Rodeo Cowboy's Association</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Rodeo Association of America, the first official rodeo cowboy's organization, was formed to standardize rules and increase prize money in rodeos.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1966</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Cowboy Hall of Fame</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, initially known as the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, opened in Oklahoma City.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Day of Cowboy</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Day of the Cowboy was observed after a resolution passed by the United States Senate to honor the role of the cowboy in American culture.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a BBQ</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Fire up the grill, invite some friends and family, and enjoy a BBQ to celebrate the National Day of the Cowboy. You can even make it a potluck and everyone can bring a dish to share.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go to a rodeo</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you can find one nearby, go to a rodeo and enjoy some classic cowboy entertainment. Watch bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing and more.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a ranch</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to a local ranch and experience life on the range. Get in touch with your inner cowboy and saddle up for an afternoon ride.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a Western movie</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Choose your favorite Western movie and have a movie night with friends and family. Pop some popcorn, grab some snacks, and saddle up for an old school cinematic experience.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try line dancing</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Line dancing is one of the most popular activities associated with National Day of the Cowboy, so why not give it a try? Search for local lessons or find an online tutorial.</p></div></div>

Why We Love National Day of the Cowboy

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the spirit of the West</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The National Day of the Cowboy honors the core values of the American cowboy, such as courage, loyalty and hard work. It's a reminder of the incredible contribution cowboys have made to our culture and history, and it's a great way to celebrate their iconicism!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Day of the Cowboy gives people all over America the chance to come together and commemorate this important part of our heritage. Across towns, cities and states, Americans are celebrating with horse shows, barbecues, parades and more!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It’s an opportunity to teach new generations about cowboys</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Day of the Cowboy is not just a celebration; it also serves as a great opportunity for adults to educate children about the important legacy of America's cowboys. Kids can learn about their impact on our history and culture through stories, books and even movies!</p></div></div>

5 Fascinating Facts for Cowboy Appreciation Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cowboy Boots Were Designed for Practicality</h3><p class='facts-content'>The iconic cowboy boot was crafted with high heels to keep feet stable in stirrups, a pointed toe to help guide the foot into the stirrup, and no laces to prevent them from catching on anything.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Lassos Were Essential Tools for Cowboys</h3><p class='facts-content'>A lasso, or lariat, was a cowboy's go-to tool. Used to capture running cattle or horses, lassos were typically made from braided rawhide or stiff grass ropes.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cowboys Were Multilingual</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many cowboys were multilingual, typically speaking English, Spanish, and Native American languages due to regular interactions with diverse groups on the frontier.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Term Cowboy Wasn't Always Positive</h3><p class='facts-content'>The term "cowboy" was initially pejorative, used during the American Revolution to describe Loyalist cattle thieves. It was redefined over time, becoming synonymous with the daring, hard-working cattle herders of the West.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cowboy Hats Have a Functional Design</h3><p class='facts-content'>The structure of a cowboy hat serves practical purposes - broad brims for sun protection, a high crown for insulation, and a sturdy structure to survive rough weather conditions.</p></div></div>

National Day of the Cowboy FAQs

When is National Day of the Cowboy?

National Day of the Cowboy Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Jul 22

Saturday

2024

Jul 27

Saturday

2025

Jul 26

Saturday

2026

Jul 25

Saturday

2027

Jul 24

Saturday

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