For this virtual, you will need to visit two locations in downtown Taylor. They are within walking distance of one another, or if preferred, you can park close to each location. You will need to visit both locations to gather information to be able to log this virtual cache.
Bill Pickett (1870–1932) was a trailblazing African American cowboy, rodeo performer, and actor whose talent and showmanship made him one of the most celebrated figures in the history of the American West.
Born in Williamson County, Texas, Pickett was the second of 13 children in a family of African American and Cherokee heritage. He left school in the fifth grade to work as a ranch hand, where he developed an extraordinary skill with horses and cattle.
Pickett is credited with inventing bulldogging — the technique of leaping from a horse, grabbing a steer by the horns, and wrestling it to the ground. His signature method even involved biting the steer's lip, a daring move that amazed crowds. This evolved into the sport of steer wrestling still practiced in rodeos today.
Along with his brothers, he founded the Pickett Brothers Bronco Busters and Rough Riders Association, performing across Texas, Arizona, Wyoming, and Oklahoma. In 1905, he joined the famous 101 Ranch Wild West Show, performing alongside legends like Buffalo Bill and Will Rogers under the nickname "The Dusky Demon." He toured the world and appeared in early films, including The Bull-Dogger and The Crimson Skull (1921).
Despite facing racial discrimination that often barred him from performing at rodeos, Pickett persevered and became an icon. He passed away in 1932 after being kicked by a horse. His legacy endures: in 1972, he became the first African American inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame, and was later inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1989.
To log this virtual, please send me the answers to the following questions after visiting the two locations:
From the first location, posted coordinates (Bill Pickett Statue):
1. This art was commissioned for "what" project?
2. What six words are carved into the top of the backside of Bill's jeans?
3. When looking at the statue, you will be standing on something that says "Danger High Voltage Traffic Signal". What is the word in the bottom right?
From the second, child waypoint, location (Bill Pickett historical marker at Heritage Square Park):
1. From the historical marker, when and where did he retire?
2. Turn around and look across the street. There is a mural on the building to the left of the open lot, what is the animal in that mural?
3. Take the short walk up to the fountain, where there is a large white sign. What are the last four digits of the primary number, seen in RED?
4. Please post a photo of you or your your GeoNick at either location with your found it log.
Virtual Rewards 5.0 - 2026-2027
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between February 3, 2026 and February 3, 2027. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 5.0 on the Geocaching Blog.