Austin News

When folks think of the American West, one individual often comes to mind: the cowboy. No other symbol embodies the same rugged individuality and dogged resilience, two traits Texans respect and admire. On July 27, Texans—and all Americans—will celebrate all this iconic figure stands for as they mark the National Day of the Cowboy.

This annual observance on the fourth Saturday in July was born out of the desire to honor cowboys and recognize their contributions to the expansion of the West. Texas officially recognized this date in 2015, but the Lone Star State has been celebrating it informally for much longer. President George W. Bush once remarked when declaring his support for the holiday, “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 country are examples for all Americans.” While the modern cowboy is celebrated for these qualities, it’s important to recognize the historic roots of this iconic trailblazer, particularly in Texas.

In the early 1500s, the Spanish began to build ranches to raise cattle and other livestock to support their North American expansion over present-day Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. This was a spark that later launched the venerable ranching industry in Texas. So, who were these early cowboys?

The original cowboys of Texas were known as vaqueros, who were trained by Spaniards and were primarily of indigenous Mexican descent. The term “vaquero” comes from the Spanish word “vaca,” meaning cow. Many words and phrases used by cowboys today are legacies of these original Texas cowboys. For instance, rodeo is a Spanish word; “lazo” gives us lasso; “mesteño” became mustang; and “dolly welter,” a term for wrapping a lasso around a saddle horn, comes from “dale vuelta,” meaning “give it a turn.”

The vaqueros not only established large ranches but were also known for their superior roping, riding, and herding skills. From braiding their ropes and creating lasso tricks to holding roping competitions, their top-notch skills laid the groundwork for rodeos. They also began branding livestock to identify ownership and introduced essential riding equipment like saddles.

Their influence extends to clothing as well. The use of chaps can be traced back to vaqueros’ leg coverings called "chaparreras," worn during long days on horseback through rough terrain. They also wore sombreros originating from "sombra," or shade in Spanish—to shield themselves from blazing sun rays—later inspiring modern cowboy hats.

One notable example highlighting their lasting influence is Francisco Garcia's role during America's Revolutionary War era when General Bernardo de Gálvez commissioned him with delivering messages between San Antonio Governor Domingo Cabello while driving roughly 2k heads across trails into New Orleans—the first organized cattle drive initiating trade between Texas-Louisiana regions.

The vaqueros' enduring impact on American Western culture remains evident today through foundational contributions towards establishing economic bases via cattle ranching practices propelling Texan beef production ahead nationally—accounting nearly fifteen percent U.S.-wide output surpassing second-largest producer Oklahoma by double margins.

As we celebrate National Day honoring Cowboys' spirit rooted within Vaquero traditions embodying pioneering Texan ethos let us tip our hats recognizing both historical contributions & ongoing work ethics amongst contemporary Cowboys Ranchers Farmers alike continuing legacy forward proudly commemorating shared heritage collectively unified under one banner emblematic timeless perseverance synonymous with true western frontier ideals.