A Day for Cowboys: Honoring the Spirit and Legacy of the West - The Cowboy Accountant (2025)

Editor’s Note:
This article was updated in July 2025 to provide the latest insights and resources for the National Day of the Cowboy. Enjoy the refreshed content and celebrate the cowboy spirit with us!

The sun climbs over the open prairie, casting long shadows across weathered boots and well-worn saddles. On the National Day of the Cowboy, we celebrate those who carved their lives from the wild frontier. Men and women whose grit, courage, and sense of adventure shaped the American West. This day isn’t just about cowboy hats and rodeos. It’s about honoring a legacy built on hard work, honesty, and a spirit that refuses to quit.

Join me. Let’s ride through history, celebrating the true meaning of being a cowboy and why that spirit still calls to us today.

The Origins of the American Cowboy

Shortly after the Civil War, settlers began westward settlement to new lands and new opportunities. With it, cowboys began to appear in America’s heartland and what would become known as the wild west. They were largely ranchers and ranch hands, raising cattle, horses and other animals. Cowboys herded the livestock across the plains to feed a growing American population.

It was a wild and sometimes lawless time. In the absence of the local rule of law, cowboys developed their own code to live by. Known as a cowboy “code of conduct” or a “code of ethics” the codes were simple and logical rules of behavior. Fast forward 150 years to the early 21st century. In recognition of the enduring efforts of the cowboy, a group of individuals sought to find a way to recognize this group of American icons.

What is the National Day of the Cowboy?

In 2004, a group founded a campaign to preserve, protect and promote the cowboy and the Western heritage of the U.S. Early in November of that year, Bethany Braley began working with the editor of American Cowboy magazine to make a “Vote for a Cowboy Day” project happen. At that time, with the guidance of a small group of friends and colleagues in Washington D.C., they named the project the “National Day of the Cowboy” project.

U.S. Senator Craig Thomas of Wyoming joined as the sponsor for a resolution in the U.S. Senate. The resolution was crafted. Soon after, a radio program was produced, and promotional materials were created.

Senator Thomas sponsored legislation in 2005, 2006, and 2007. This “national day of the cowboy” was a day set aside to celebrate the contribution of the cowboy and cowgirl to America’s culture and heritage. In 2008, the National Day of the Cowboy resolution was sponsored simultaneously in the U.S. House of Representatives (for the first time) by Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, and in the U.S. Senate by Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming. It passed in the Senate and the House concurrently. With its passage, Saturday, July 26, 2008, was designated the 4th Annual National Day of the Cowboy.

In the words of the former President Bush in a letter of support, “We celebrate the Cowboy as a symbol of the grand history of the American West. The Cowboy’s love of the land and love of the country are examples for all Americans.”

A National Effort Takes Root

With that, a broader campaign began to lobby for the passage of the national resolution designating the fourth Saturday of every July a permanent celebration on the national calendar. The campaign focused on recognizing cowboys and cowgirls for their enduring contribution and their courageous, pioneering American spirit.

Enter, the National Day of the Cowboy non-profit organization Their mission is to contribute to the preservation of America’s cowboy culture and pioneer heritage so that the history and culture will endure. It’s what the National Day of the Cowboy bill honors. And, it can be shared and perpetuated for the public good, through education, the arts, literature, celebrations, gatherings, rodeos, and other community activities.

“We celebrate the Cowboy as a symbol of the grand history of the American West. The Cowboy’s love of the land and love of the country are examples for all Americans.”

– George W. Bush

On Friday, June 20, 2008, the National Day of the Cowboy resolution also passed in the Arizona State Legislature, making Arizona the first state to officially adopt the day. In 2009, similar temporary resolutions passed in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. A number of governors, mayors and town councils also proclaimed the special day. Soon, every state seeking to join the effort had standard text they could use.

National Day of the Cowboy Resolution

Over the last 20 years, the text for the bill expressing support for designating the 4^thSaturday in July as ‘‘National Day of the Cowboy’’ has changed very little. Each state wishing to permanently adopt a National Day of the Cowboy, uses this text:

RESOLUTION

Whereaspioneering men and women known as cowboys, helped establish America’s frontiers;

Whereas the cowboy archetype transcends gender, generations, ethnicity, geographic boundaries, and political affiliations;

Whereas the cowboy embodies honesty, integrity, courage, compassion, and determination;

Whereas the cowboy Vaquero spirit exemplifies patriotism and strength of character;

Whereas the cowboy is an excellent steward of the land and its creatures;

Whereas the core values expressed within the Cowboy Code of Conduct continue to inspire the pursuit of the highest caliber of personal integrity;

Whereas cowboy and ranching traditions have been part of the American landscape and culture since 1523, and today’s cowboys and cowgirls continue to strive to preserve and perpetuate this unique element of America’s heritage;

Whereas annual attendance at rodeos exceeds 30,000,000 fans worldwide;

Whereas membership and participation in the National Day of the Cowboy Organization and other organizations that encompass the livelihood of the cowboy, continues to expand both nationally and internationally;

Whereas the cowboy and his horse are a central figure in literature, art, film, poetry, photography, and music; and

Whereas the cowboy is a true American icon occupying a central place in the public’s imagination.

The Enduring Legacy of Cowboys in America

Since the early days of the campaign, the states of Wyoming, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma, Oregon, Mississippi, Kansas, Virginia, Texas, Idaho, Indiana, Arkansas, North Dakota, and Montana have all permanently recognized the National Day of the Cowboy. And, additional states join each year.

Every year on this day, the national campaign gives recognition awards to individuals, organizations and projects that contribute to the preservation of both pioneer history, and the promotion of cowboy culture.

Various western-themed movies and television series such as Longmire, Deadwood, and Yellowstone have gained popularity. Popularity that brings renewed hope that the celebration will truly become national.

Cowboy Values: Why They Still Matter

In addition to the resolution and adoption of a National Day of the Cowboy, a code of conduct has been developed and promoted. Legislatures in California, New Mexico,Kentucky, Colorado, Idaho, TexasandArizona Legislatures have embraced the movement.

How to Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy

Interested in supporting the history and spirit of an American icon, the working cowboy? You can celebrate the National Day of the Cowboy by doing the following:

• Go to a rodeo, where cowboy skills are on display
• Explore the western arts
• Buy a cowboy hat and dress like a cowboy
• Read a book or article on cowboy and cowgirl history
• Watch a western-themed movie or TV show
• Consider supporting organizations that further the recognition of cowboys

For more information on the scope of this day as a national event, visit the website of the National Day of the Cowboy organization at www.nationaldayofthecowboy.com to find events in your area.

And one of my favorite organizations, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is celebrating in a way that only “The Cowboy” can. Learn more at their website.

Until next time, happy trails! —☆

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Chip Schweiger, The Cowboy Accountant™

I’m a full-time CPA and a part-time cowboy, aspiring horseman, cast-iron cooker, and cowboy wisdom enthusiast. Together with my horse, Whiskey, we tell the stories of the American West and the Cowboys who feed a nation. The world needs more cowboys, so I utilize this platform to share the history and culture of the American Cowboy with a broader audience.