Livermore in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
History of the Livermore Rodeo
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, April 11, 2022
1. History of the Livermore Rodeo Marker
Early ranches in California commonly held rodeos twice a year. Vaqueros collected cattle from the surrounding area and neighbors met to mark their calves with brands and earmarks. In the Livermore area, early residents, including the Bernal, Marsh, Pacheco and Livermore families, met at various ranches, including the location of the present-day Los Vaqueros Reservoir. Eventually, these gatherings developed into forms of entertainment, like the rodeos of today.WWI Charity Event
The Stockmen's Protective Association established Livermore's first formal rodeo in 1918, during WWI, to raise money for the Red Cross. It was held at the James Anderson Ranch, near what is not the I-580 and Portola Avenue overpass, and succeeded in raising $2,500. Universal Studios filmed the event and distributed the newsreel to movie theaters across the United States.
World's Fastest Rodeo
In 1919 local residents created the Livermore Stockmen's Rodeo Association and held the City's second rodeo along South Livermore Avenue. The rodeo was known to have livestock waiting in the chutes, ready for competitors, and by 1935 it earned
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, April 11, 2022
2. History of the Livermore Rodeo Marker
this page online
TOP 100
The Livermore Rodeo moved to Robertson Park in 1967 and has been listed by the Professional Cowboy Rodeo Association as one of the top 100 rodeo events in the United States. Throughout the years, Livermore has been home to World Champions, a testament to the City's ranching heritage.
Erected by City of Livermore.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.
Location. 37° 40.97′ N, 121° 46.165′ W. Marker is in Livermore, California, in Alameda County. Marker can be reached from South Livermore Avenue near Railroad Avenue and Veterans Way. The marker is on the left when entering Stockmen's Park through the archway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Livermore CA 94550, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Stockmen's Park (a few steps from this marker); Stockmen's Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Bank of Italy Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Odd Fellows Building (about 500 feet away); Livermorium (about 500 feet away); First Library Building (about 500 feet away); The Story of Livermorium (about 500 feet away); Livermore Flagpole (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Livermore.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 169 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 13, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
