Kanab in Kane County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Ben Bates

1933-2017

— Utah's Little Hollywood —

Ben Bates Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 8, 2025

1. Ben Bates Marker

Inscription. Stuntman, Stunt Coordinator, Second Unit Director, Stunt Actor Marlboro Man & Professional Rodeo Cowboy
All of these titles and more describe Ben Bates. Ben was the stunt double for James Arness for 25 years. He appeared in many TV series and films throughout the 70's - 90's. His most enjoyable work was done on the iconic TV Western series Gunsmoke, along with all the subsequent Gunsmoke TV movies. In 1976 'The Macahans' was shot here in Kanab, followed by its mini-series, 'How The West Was Won'. Ben loved the warm people of Kanab, and he'd tip his hat to this honor.

Erected by Kanab Utah’s "Walk of Fame".

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Utah - Kanab "Walk of Fame" series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1976.

Location. 37° 2.823′ N, 112° 31.593′ W. Marker is in Kanab, Utah, in Kane County. It is on South 100 East (U.S. 89) north of E 100 S, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located north of the Kane County Office of Tourism along the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 78 S 100 E, Kanab UT 84741, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Utah’s Color Country. It is also in the American Southwest,

in the Mountain West,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "Bob and Bonnie Riding" (here, next to this

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marker); Jackie Hamblin Rife (a few steps from this marker); "Ann Blyth" (a few steps from this marker); "George Peppard" (a few steps from this marker); "Katy Jurado" (a few steps from this marker); "Wild" Bill Elliott (a few steps from this marker); Glenn Strange (a few steps from this marker); Gregg Palmer (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kanab.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Dale Robertson (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . Ben Bates. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Ben Bates was born September 4, 1933, in Mexia, Texas, and died October 4, 2017. During his lifetime he competed in bulldogging, calf roping and team roping. A stuntman and business owner, Bates served in the Korean War with the Navy Sea Bees. He joined Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA, later PRCA) in 1959 and, in 1962, set an arena record of 7.9 seconds in Steer Wrestling at Cheyenne Frontier Days, which stood for 12 years.

(Submitted on May 19, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The Ben Bates Marker is the marker on the left side image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 8, 2025

2. The Ben Bates Marker is the marker on the left side

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 315 times since then and 140 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 19, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.