Taylor in Williamson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Bill Pickett
(ca. December 1870 - March 25, 1932)
The son of a former slave, Willie M. (Bill) Pickett grew up in Taylor. Working as a cowboy in central Texas, he pioneered the art of “bulldogging,” in which a cowboy jumps from his horse to twist a steer’s horns to force it to the ground. One of the few Black cowboys on the rodeo circuit, Pickett became a sensation, performing in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Europe. He retired in Oklahoma in 1930 and died two years later from injuries sustained in a riding accident. In 1971 he became the first African American cowboy inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Erected 1991 by Texas Historical Commission and the Woodson-Dickey History Club. (Marker Number 9320.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.
Location. 30° 34.262′ N, 97° 24.574′ W. Marker is in Taylor, Texas, in Williamson County. Marker is on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 N Main St, Taylor TX 76574, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. City of Taylor (a few steps from this marker); Tex Avery (a few steps from this marker); Preslar-Hewitt Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Eikel-Prewitt Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Taylor Post Office (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Presbyterian Church of Taylor (about 600 feet away); First Christian Church of Taylor (about 700 feet away); Taylor National Bank (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Taylor.
Also see . . . Bill Pickett at Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 4, 2023.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2007, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 5,257 times since then and 115 times this year. Last updated on November 23, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on September 10, 2007, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. 2. submitted on April 20, 2021, by Frederick Bothwell of Georgetown, Texas. 3. submitted on December 20, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4. submitted on May 15, 2018, by Frederick Bothwell of Georgetown, Texas. 5. submitted on May 29, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 6. submitted on May 29, 2009. 7. submitted on May 16, 2018, by Frederick Bothwell of Georgetown, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.