Odessa in Ector County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
World's First Championship Jackrabbit Roping
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 10, 2015
1. World's First Championship Jackrabbit Roping Marker
Inscription.
World's First Championship Jackrabbit Roping. . Contest began as “hare-brained” publicity stunt during 1932 annual Odessa Rodeo. Held at 3rd and Grant Street site despite objections from out-of-town do-gooders. Local sheriff opposed event but mayor and judge ruled no violation of Texas law. Cowgirl Grace Hendricks roped rabbit from horseback in five seconds flat winning over numerous male competitors. Notorious contest revived in 1977 causing coast-to-coast outcry. Midland animal lover delayed action by liberating captive jackrabbits. Event proceeded on schedule when former prisoners returned at feeding time. Seven ropers competed on foot. Jack Torian placed first with a six second scamper. In 1978 Humane Society blocked all future ropings with court order.
Contest began as “hare-brained” publicity stunt during 1932 annual Odessa Rodeo. Held at 3rd and Grant Street site despite objections from out-of-town do-gooders. Local sheriff opposed event but mayor and judge ruled no violation of Texas law. Cowgirl Grace Hendricks roped rabbit from horseback in five seconds flat winning over numerous male competitors. Notorious contest revived in 1977 causing coast-to-coast outcry. Midland animal lover delayed action by liberating captive jackrabbits. Event proceeded on schedule when former prisoners returned at feeding time. Seven ropers competed on foot. Jack Torian placed first with a six second scamper. In 1978 Humane Society blocked all future ropings with court order.
Erected 1990 by Heritage of Odessa Foundation. (Marker Number 12.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.
Location. 31° 50.986′ N, 102° 22.465′ W. Marker is in Odessa, Texas, in Ector County. Marker is at the intersection of West 8th Street and North Sam Houston Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West 8th Street. Marker is on the northeast corner. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Odessa TX 79761, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Jackrabbit (here, next to this marker);
2. World's First Championship Jackrabbit Roping Marker (on the right)
The Jackrabbit Marker is at the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 614 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 21, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
