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 reign today to provide you with a bit of quick history about the cowboy.
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.
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.
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. The life of a cowboy required a particular ability to live in a frontier world. To do so requires respect, loyalty, and a willingness to work hard. After the dust settled, revealing of the stoic truth of the American cowboy and cowgirl.
"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
Please come along and help celebrate this very important day on the National Day calendar.
Enjoy Cafe Bakery, 112 The Parade, Norwood
09:00 to 09:30