Pendleton in Umatilla County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

George Fletcher

2nd Place World Bronc Riding Champion 1911

— October 3, 1890 - October 1, 1973 —

George Fletcher Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 30, 2017

1. George Fletcher Marker

Inscription. Inducted into the Round-Up hall of Fame, National Cowboy Hall of Fame, National Cowboys of Color Hall of Fame
George Fletcher arrived in Pendleton around 1900 at the age of 10 with his mother and stepfather. His home life was unstable, and the hardships faced by African-Americans at that time were difficult to surmount. George was taken under the wing of a local minister, Reverend Cornelison at the Tutilla Presbyterian Church on the Umatilla Indian Reservation east of Pendleton. Friends from the tribes helped him learn how to manage, train, and work with horses. He was the only African-American to compete in the first Pendleton Round-Up in 1910.
George Fletcher was a competitor for the World Bronc Riding Championship in 1911 Round-Up completion. Although John Spain was declared the winner, many of the fans believed Fletcher should have won first place. The first-place price (sic) of a $350 saddle went to John Spain. Sheriff Til Taylor, a Round-Up director at the time, took Fletcher's black cowboy hat and cut it into small bits and sold them to the crowd. He raised enough money for Fletcher to by a $350 saddle like the first-place prize with an additional $350 to spare. George Fletcher was declared the "People's Champion."
Fletcher competed in rodeos until the outbreak of World War I, when

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he was drafted into the service. He was sent to France as part of the SOS Unit of the 815 Pioneer Infantry. Following an injury during the war, he walked with a limp and retired from rodeo completion. Fletcher went to work for various ranches and was a familiar face in Pendleton for the rest of his life.

Erected by Pendleton Bronze Trail.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Sports.

Location. 45° 40.329′ N, 118° 47.224′ W. Marker is in Pendleton, Oregon, in Umatilla County. Marker is on South Main Street near Southeast Dorion Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 230 South Main Street, Pendleton OR 97801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Kathleen McClintock 1907-1998 (a few steps from this marker); Milarkey Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Peoples Warehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); State Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); R.F. Renn Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Judd Block (within shouting distance of this marker); DeSpain Block (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Milarkey-Murphy Bldg (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pendleton.

George Fletcher Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 30, 2017

2. George Fletcher Statue

George Fletcher at the Pendleton Round-Up image. Click for full size.

Photographed By W.S. Bowman, 1910

3. George Fletcher at the Pendleton Round-Up

Credits. This page was last revised on October 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 496 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 21, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.