11oz Black Mug “Bulldogging Into History—Bill Pickett’s Legacy Lives On.”

Bill Pickett was more than just a rodeo star—he was a pioneer, a trailblazer, and an innovator who transformed the world of cowboy sports. His story is one of determination, grit, and ingenuity, and his legacy continues to inspire generations.

Early Life & Family

• Born December 5, 1870, in Jenks Branch, Texas, to formerly enslaved parents.
• His family had African American and Cherokee ancestry, shaping his connection to the land and cowboy traditions.
• With limited formal education, he left school after the fifth grade to work on ranches, where he mastered horse riding, roping, and cattle handling.

The Birth of Bulldogging

• Observing herding dogs controlling cattle, Pickett developed a daring new technique.
• Instead of using traditional roping methods, he would jump from his horse, grab the steer by its horns, and wrestle it to the ground.
• Sometimes, he would even bite the steer’s lip to subdue it—a skill inspired by the way bulldogs controlled livestock.
• His invention, called “bulldogging,” became the foundation of today’s steer wrestling in rodeo competitions.

Rodeo Stardom & Wild West Shows

• Joined the 101 Ranch Wild West Show in 1905, performing alongside Buffalo Bill Cody, Will Rogers, and Tom Mix.
• His incredible skills and showmanship made him famous across the country.
• He toured Texas, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Arizona, proving that Black cowboys were a vital part of Western history.
• Pickett starred in silent films, including The Bull-Dogger (1921) and The Crimson Skull (1922).

Later Life & Tragic Death

• Rodeo remained his passion, but in 1932, he was tragically kicked by a horse and suffered a fatal head injury.
• He passed away on April 2, 1932, at age 61, leaving behind an undeniable legacy.

Legacy & Recognition

• Inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1972, becoming the first Black cowboy honored.
• Inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1989 for his bulldogging innovation.
• Featured on a U.S. postage stamp in the 1990s, honoring his contributions to Western history.
• Today, steer wrestling is one of the most thrilling rodeo events, all thanks to Pickett’s creativity and courage.

Bill Pickett’s fearlessness and ingenuity made him a legend in cowboy culture.