Hallettsville in Lavaca County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
High School Rodeo
Photographed by Dave W, February 14, 2026
1. High School Rodeo Marker
In 1947, Hallettsville Superintendent of Schools Claude Mullins recognized a desire and a need on the part of many rural-oriented students in Texas to "rodeo". Mullins discussed his idea of having a state championship high school rodeo with Attorney Alton Allen and Pharmacist Leon L. Kahanek all close friends, ranchers, and active rodeo participants. They put this new idea into action and thus was founded the first high school rodeo.
The first annual Texas State Championship High School Rodeo was held in Hallettsville in June, 1947, at the rodeo arena located in Hallettsville's City Park. There were 87 contestants from every corner of Texas. Two years later, in 1949, these same men organized and held the first National Championship High School Rodeo in Hallettsville with 118 contestants coming from many states.
Today, the yearly state championship rodeos are held in Abilene, Texas and the national championship rodeos are held in different states.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Education • Entertainment • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1947.
Location. 29° 27.134′ N, 96° 56.654′ W.
Marker is in Hallettsville, Texas, in
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: American Legion Hudgeons Post 230 (within shouting distance of this marker); Richardson Chapel United Methodist Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hallet League (about 300 feet away); Hallet's Cabin (about 300 feet away); Old Hanging Tree (about 500 feet away); Lavaca River (about 600 feet away); The Hanging Tree (about 600 feet away); Entrance to Old Estate of John Hallett (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hallettsville.
Photographed by Dave W, February 14, 2026
2. High School Rodeo Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 58 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 15, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
