Historical Marker

World's First Rodeo

Historical marker location:
Rodeo Grounds at US 285 and Walthall St., Pecos, Texas
( In front of Rodeo Grounds at US 285 and Walthall St. Pecos)
Marker installed: 1965

Held a block south of Pecos Courthouse, July 4, 1883. Started with claims of cattle outfits Lazy, Na and W Ranch -- that each had fastest steer ropers.

Settlers in town for Fourth of July picnic were spectators. The prizes were blue ribbons cut by pocket knife from new dress of a 4 years old girl in crowd.

Best roper was Morg Livingston, of the Na. Trav Windham, Lazy Y was second. Other contestants: Fate Beard, Geo. Brookshire, John Chalk, Jeff Chisum, Howard Collier, Jim Livingston, Jim Mannin, Henry Miller, Brawley Oates, Jim and Henry Slack, E. P. Stuckler. (1965).