Fort Worth in Tarrant County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The First Bulldogger
W.M. "Bill" Pickett (1870-1932) originated the rodeo event of Bulldogging, known today as steer wrestling.
Native Texan Pickett developed a unique style of bulldogging, which made him world famous as a Wild West Show and Rodeo Performer. Bill would leap from the left side of his horse, catch the steer by the horns, twist the animal's neck until he was able to reach over and sink his teeth into the steer's lip.
In 1908, Pickett appeared in the Coliseum during the Fort Worth Stock Show. It was one of several performances here.
Bill died of injuries received when he was kicked in the head by a wild horse while working for the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch. Colonel Zack Miller wrote a poem to this memory. These last lines sum up the respect earned by this cowboy.
on any job he did his best
he left a blank that's hard to fill
for there'll never be another Bill.
In 1971, Bill Pickett became the first Black cowboy to be inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Artist: Lisa Perry
Presented to the City of Fort Worth on May 23, 1987, Sponsor The North Fort Worth Historical Society
Erected 1987 by The North Fort Worth Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment • Sports. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1774.
Location. 32° 47.339′ N, 97° 20.875′ W. Marker is in Fort Worth, Texas, in Tarrant County. Marker is at the intersection of East Exchange Avenue and Rodeo Plaza, on the left when traveling east on East Exchange Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 130 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth TX 76164, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Coliseum (here, next to this marker); Early Quarter Horse Shows (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Worth Stock Yards Entrance (within shouting distance of this marker); Thannisch Block Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas B. Saunders Family (within shouting distance of this marker); The Trailblazer (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Worth Stockyards Horse and Mule Barns (about 400 feet away); America's First Horse (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Worth.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. the relationship ,see marker shown.
Also see . . . Pickett, William. The Handbook of Texas Online, Texas State Historical Association (Submitted on February 19, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 846 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 18, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 6. submitted on December 20, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.