"The Texas Cowboy" Top 5 Page for this destination Texas Travelogue by keeweechic

Texas Travel Guide: 15,168 reviews and 25,325 photos

The Man Himself

The name Texas brings about the image of the Cowboy. The birth of the cowboy followed the Civil War when Texas ranchers brought millions of dollars to the bankrupt state by exploiting wild herds of cattle. Cowboys wear distinctive clothing. They wear cowboy hats, chaps, jeans, boots, long sleeve shirts. They have become a very important part of Texas. Not only do they tend to their cattle but they also cultivate the land.

The Hat

The Cowboy or Western Hat is synonymous with the Cowboy. The felt type was worn in cold weather, the type of felt was important as a droopy hat does not look good. The best type was made of rabbit and beaver hair.The straw type was worn in hot weather. Those most important part was the brim, crease and crown. The 10 gallon one was of course the way to go.

The Boot

This has evolved from the original utility boot which was designed to fit the stirrup of the saddle. Now days the boot is made for many uses. The 2" riding heels are not practical for walking. All boots should have a steel shank with wooden pegs for the arch. There should be a leather lining and good workmanship. The stitching on the top is not just for decoration but to hole the many layers of leather together. The more rows of stitching the more expensive the boot. There is a lot to consider when choosing a design from the toe shape, earpulls, heel size and shape and type of leather. Customs boots can cost you megabucks if you end up getting carried away.

Texas Rodeo

Summertime in Texas is known as 'cowboy Christmas' because there are so many rodeos scheduled although every season in Texas is rodeo season. However the biggest rodeos in the state are in February and March. The Texas Rodeo (pronounced 'roadie-oh) is sort of a cowpunchers Olympics although no one is really sure why cowboys choose to partake in such gladiatorial contents of the Old West. Other than to impress the 'lil ladies', and avoid being carried out on a stretcher, there are prizes that will take the aches out of those sore backsides to consider.

Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns' ancestors came to the Americas from Spain, arriving with Columbus in 1493 at Santa Domingo. After the Civil War, the Texas Longhorn became the financial salvation of the Southwest. It has evolved and prospered after almost being on the edge of extinction. The breed is unique in that they could be fattened on the trail. The Texas Longhorn has become a symbol of survival. It is fast becoming one of the worlds most important breeds of cattle.

Chisholm Trail

In the last part of the 19th century, longhorns were rounded up by the millions in Texas. They were branded, their ears cropped in readiness for the long drive north across the Indian Nations into Kansas. The cattle drives followed three major routes from Texas and up through Oklahoma. One of those routes was known as the Chisholm Trail. This was the beginnings of the Texas (and indeed the American) Cowboy.

Photos which are taken by myself are copyright and digitally marked. Please do not use them without permission. Thanks. (c) keeweechic 2001-2007 (copyright)

Page Updated Feb 19, 2007
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Comments (32)

pocketcrockett Feb 15, 2011 at 2:39 PM Report Abuse

Texas sounds like fun. I would love to visit some of the famous Texas gun shows and Texas events. Maybe I could make a trip down there this summer.
amandajayne81 Dec 29, 2010 at 5:06 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for an extremely thorough page with down to earth, helpful tips. So many locations that I would love to visit.
texomawriter Oct 9, 2007 at 12:01 AM Report Abuse

Just FYI on fire ants. Immediately soak your feet (hands, ankles, etc.) in undiluted household bleach for a couple of minutes. You won't even have to repeat like you do with the hot water.
hunterV Jan 17, 2007 at 11:50 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for your great page!
VeronicaG Apr 23, 2006 at 6:05 AM Report Abuse

I hope to revisit your site many times before we move to Texas this summer--thanks for the tips and beautiful pictures....
TXgal Mar 25, 2006 at 6:13 PM Report Abuse

God Bless Texas!!
Redang Dec 11, 2005 at 9:21 AM Report Abuse

I'm impress with your pages, now I understand why you're the number ONE!
madamx Jul 10, 2005 at 8:48 AM Report Abuse

Great overview of Texas; we are planning a road trip of Texas and your page is really helpful. Greetings from Calgary ~ Helen
Cruefan Jun 10, 2005 at 6:40 AM Report Abuse

I was stationed in Texas when I was in the military, and I'm glad you put that warning out about the fire ants.. nasty buggers !!
carlrea Apr 1, 2005 at 6:14 AM Report Abuse

Absolutley loved the texas sayings!! must come back some time!