North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame moseys along in Medora
Willie and Waylon warned mamas not to let their kids grow up to be cowboys. John Wayne led a group of kids into becoming “The Cowboys.” I wanted to be a cowboy as a kid. In fact, growing up in Kennard, Nebraska, my nickname was “Cowboy.” I wore a hat and holster a lot. Every Halloween I went as a cowboy.
Even Theodore Roosevelt tried his hand as a rancher in the late 1800s before he went on to become a military hero and American President.
Cowboys have been romanticized through American history. Today’s cowboy roams the prairie to herd cattle. Or, they live for the thrill of mounting that buckin’ bronco or bull at rodeos.
North Dakota celebrates its western heritage at the state Cowboy Hall of Fame. Rodeo stars, ranchers and Native Americans are celebrated at the Hall in Medora. The fourth section of the Hall is a Hall of Honorees, recognizing residents for key achievements.
The Native American gallery offers a look at life on the prairie for the state’s tribes.
The Ranchers section looks at the early days of North Dakota through the eyes of its European-American settlers.
The Rodeo section honors the “North Dakota Six Pack” – Tom Tescher, Jim Tescher, Dean Armstrong, Joe Chase, Duane Howard and Alvin Nelson. The six cowboys were among the best rodeo bronc riders in the nation during the 1950s and ‘60s.
Saddles through history are on display, including some national championship rodeo ones. The rodeo area also includes trophies, photos and other memorabilia.
Steve Tomac is a member of the Hall as a rodeo clown. He got his start in 1971 at the age of 18. He achieved several honors for his time on the rodeo circuit. He also has served as a state senator.
The Hall of Honorees recognizes people for their role in various activities, including horse culture, state history and heritage, rodeo, ranching and livestock, and entertainment.
The North Dakota Hall of Fame is open daily. For more information, please visit http://www.northdakotacowboy.com/.
Disclaimer: Thanks to the North Dakota Tourism Division for coordinating our trip through the state.
