HOUSTON —
RODEO HISTORY:
"The Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition was created after seven men met for lunch at the Texas State Hotel with a goal of preserving the cattle industry along the Texas Gulf Coast area. In 1932, the first Show is held at the Democratic Convention Hall before it was demolished in 1937. The Sam Houston Coliseum replaced it in time for the Show in 1938.
In 1957, the Show presented its first major educational scholarship, a $2,000 award, to Houstonian Ben Dickerson
In 1961, the Houston Fat Stock Show became the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo before introducing the new "Bowlegged H" logo in 1966. That same year, the Show moved from the Same Houston Coliseum to the Astrodome, known as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
In 1999, the City of Houston became home of a new NFL franchise, the Houston Texans. The Show then became involved with Houston NFL Holdings and Harris County to build a new Rodeo/football stadium.
The final rodeo performance in the Astrodome featured country legend George Strait in 2002 before the Show moved to its new 70,000-seat, retractable roof stadium.
For the first time, all junior market auctions, the School Art Auction and the Wine Auction topped a million dollars each. In 2007, the Show celebrated its 75th anniversary, known as the "Year of the Volunteer" as well as a 50th anniversary of its educational programs. A year later, the Show awarded more than $1 million to both Texas FFA and 4-H scholarship recipients.
In 2012, the Show raised student scholarships to four-year $18,000 scholarships."
To learn more about Houston Rodeo History, click here.
"From award-winning paintings to vintage bronco bull riding photos, this HLSR exhibit complements the rodeo season in February and the Texas History Month in March.
This exhibit represents the cowboy spirit across Houston's main heritages and is a big part of Houston history! Rodeo culture brings nearly all Texans together through food, skills competitions, music, parades, fundraisers, the carnival, vendors/exhibitors and family entertainment."
Some of the artifacts include:
- George Bush Presidential Library Foundation saddle holder
- Black and Hispanic Cowboy Heritage
- Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Cody Johnson, Alabama, plus more signed guitars showcase
- Photography, paintings, collectibles, costumery, and memorabilia of all the competitions
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo History Exhibit will be available at the Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park until July 31.
Museum Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday; 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Admission: $5 for ages 6 and up. Free for ages 5 and under. Members receive free entry as a benefit.
For tickets to the exhibit, visit heritagesociety.org.