Thursday, July 10, 2025

Question: What town in Texas hosted the world’s first rodeo?

Answer: Pecos. In 1883, cowboys from several ranches in the area got into an argument about which of them was most skilled in his craft. On July 4, they held a competition near the Pecos County Courthouse to settle the debate. Ribbons cut from the dress of a young girl in attendance were awarded as prizes.

In 1945, the West of the Pecos Rodeo pioneered the cloverleaf pattern that has become standard in barrel racing. Today, the rodeo draws over 500 contestants a year and is one of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s (PRCA) top 40 prize money competitions.