Think Clint Eastwood, Gary Cooper, James Stewart, and John Wayne, and you're probably conjuring images of cowboys riding off in a sunset in the untamed American landscape of old. Cowboys are often portrayed as brave Western heroes with rugged good looks in Western movies, but they played a more important role in reality, especially during the early days of westward expansion in the United States from the late 18th to the mid-19th centuries.
The cowboy is an integral part of American society; nonetheless, this prototypically American figure has its origins in Mexico, where they were referred to as "vaqueros." This term derives from the Spanish word "vaca," which means cow. Around 1519, not long after the Spanish colonists landed in the Americas, they started constructing ranches to breed cattle and other types of animals. The ranches made use of horses that had been brought over from Spain as part of their workforce. “Vaqueros” were recognized for their superior riding and herding abilities, so ranchers employed them to tend to the cattle on their properties.
As we celebrate National Day of the Cowboy, why not celebrate it by learning more about the history of cowboys? You can also throw a Wild West Cowboy party. If you do, make sure you light up the dance floor with this Blue Sequin Cowboy Hat and kick up your boots with this Black Cowboy Boot LED Blinkies Pin. They're a hit at Western-themed parties, country line dance nights, and carnivals. Call us to request more info or to request a quote today!