National Day of the Cowboy

National Day of the Cowboy is celebrated every year on the fourth Saturday in July. It is not surprising a holiday was dedicated to cowboys and their work, because it is a symbol of American freedom, dizzying adventures, and also the main characters of local mythology. If you have studied or are into American culture, take the time to celebrate National Day of the Cowboy.

The History

The holiday was first celebrated in 2005 at the initiative of an American organization whose activities are dedicated to the glorification of the culture and work of cowboys. In fact, there are still quite a few people in American society who have devoted themselves to working as cowboys. That is why this holiday has become widespread.

Interesting Facts

• Do you know where the Wild West was in America? The period of American history called the Wild West falls in the second half of the 19th century, as well as the beginning of the 20th century. From a geographical point of view, the Wild West is the area located west of the Mississippi.
• The gold rush that occurred in the middle of the 19th century divided society into lucky ones and losers. More than 175,000 people have visited the gold mines in California. Some became rich in an instant, while others lost everything.
• In the 19th century, cowboys performed an important mission – they drove cattle to the northern regions. They did it on foot, as there was no railway connection yet. They used the trails the cattle walked on. At one time, cowboys managed to drive up to 3 thousand heads of cattle.
• Some cattle trails are Chisholm, Shawnee, and the Great Western Trail.

How to take part

Visit a museum which has an exhibition dedicated to the rodeo or the American West. You can also watch your favorite western, read a western novel, or maybe you want to buy a new cowboy hat. If you want to share the holiday on social media, use the hashtag #NationalDayOfTheCowboy.

When is National Day of the Cowboy celebrated in 2024?

National Day of the Cowboy is observed on the fourth Saturday in July each year.

Observations