Today, when you see people wearing cowboy boots and hats in New Mexico it’s usually more than a fashion choice. You’ll find ranches on the outskirts of towns and cities, and sprawling across rural areas. Rodeos remain popular events, and the stars of the rodeo world are honored at the Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame in Hobbs. So cowboy culture remains alive and well in the Land of Enchantment.
The tradition of the cowboy has long been embedded in New Mexico’s culture and history. When the Spanish arrived in North America, they continued raising cattle as they had done back home. Their customs were further shaped by life on the frontier and the combination of these influences resulted in the identity of the American cowboy.
The ranching industry was more diverse than many others at the time and Native Americans, African Americans, and Mexicans all found work as cowboys. Although this life is sometimes glamorized in movies, it was pretty tough. Cowboys received meals, sometimes lodging in a communal bunkhouse, and most were paid in the region of a dollar a day.
These historic photos provide a glimpse into ranching life and showcase the skills it takes to be a cowboy.
- A rodeo was held in Quemado in June of 1940. Here, cowboys congregate around the corral.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- This is a close up of one of the cowboys. Do you think fashion has changed all that much?
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- These are the judges at the same event.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- A cowboy gets ready to compete.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- These two shots show a cowboy checking his stirrups…
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- …In preparation for the bronc busting competition.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- The cowboys on their horses.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- A calf bolts from the corral.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- And the calf roping competition at the rodeo in Quemado begins…
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- To this day, the annual Bean Day Celebration is STILL held in Wagon Mound. Here is a cowboy at the Bean Day Rodeo.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- The first Bean Day was in 1909. This is what the rodeo looked like in 1939.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- At the same event, a cowboy hurries to tie the calf he has roped.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- Here is an example of cowboy fashion in 1940.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- A cowboy leads his horse in Pie Town.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
Do you think rodeos have changed much over the years?
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
To view more of New Mexico’s past in pictures, check out some old Depression-era photos that our depict our state.
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