The history of cowboys is one of the most researched subjects in America. Cowboy history has been a part of dime novels, heavy tomes as well as motion pictures and television. The biggest question however is what is truth and what is fiction. One of the interesting most facets of studying the subject of cowboy history is determining the difference between the two.
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| Chuck Wagon exhibit at NM History Museum |
Cowboy Exhibits at the New Mexico History Museum
The New Mexico History Museum located in Santa Fe New Mexico currently has a very unique and large display of everything cowboy. The New Mexico History Museum is connected with the Palace of the Governors on the Santa Fe plaza. Museum exhibitions cover Native people, Spanish explorers, the Mexican era, the Santa Fe Trail, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the Long Walk, outlaws, the railroad, World War II and even modern day New Mexico.
On special exhibit now through March 16, 2014 is Cowboys Real and Imagined. Lectures, western movies and a Wild West Weekend are planned. Among the exhibits featured are artifacts that include cowboy clothing from the 1700's to modern times and a chuck wagon that served the cattle drives of northeastern New Mexico's historic Bell Ranch. This special exhibit uses artifacts and photographs from its own wide-ranging collections, along with loans from more than 100 people and museums. Among the events scheduled during this exhibition's run are archival footage, oral histories, musical performances, and a programming series that includes screenings of classic Western movies filmed in New Mexico. For a schedule of events planned through the exhibits one year run see website www.nmhistorymuseum.org
Try our fun twenty-five question history quiz on our Trips Into History site.
History Quiz
The New Mexico History Museum is located at 113 Lincoln Avenue, Santa Fe NM
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| Palace of the Governors stage coach exhibit |
When visiting the New Mexico History Museum be sure to visit the separate Palace of the Governors which faces Santa Fe plaza. The Palace of the Governors has the distinction of being the oldest continuously used public building in the United States. The Palace of the Governors was constructed in the early 17th century as Spain's seat of government for what is today the American Southwest.
Within it's walls are fascinating exhibits that tell the story of Santa Fe, as well as New Mexico and the region. To mention just a few of the many exhibits on display is a 16th century Morion helmet with a religious depiction that was discovered in a New Mexico location known to have been traveled by Spanish soldiers under Governor Juan de Oñate. You'll also enjoy viewing the New Mexico State Seal that was made from assorted pieces of hardware...spoons, quills and tacks. This particular seal was made by the Shapleigh Hardware Company of Missouri to commemorate New Mexico's entrance into the Union, 1912.
Another very unique exhibition is the Segesser Hide Paintings. These are the first known depictions of Spanish colonial life in the United States.
Links to two additional Western Trips photo articles you'll be interested in include a story about the historic Magdalena Cattle Trail and the famous Waggoner Ranch in north Texas.
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| National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum |
This is one of the best stops you can make in Oklahoma City. Among the permanent exhibits at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is the 6,500 square foot American Rodeo Gallery which features rodeo exhibits and unique artifacts including a rodeo arena.
The American Cowboy Gallery is an 8,000 square foot collection that interprets the cowboy's history and culture from Spanish colonial times to the 20th century. Learn how cowboy equipment such as saddle, clothing, bits and spurs changed over the years. The museum is proud to display the most extensive exhibition on the working cowboy in the United States.
Prosperity Junction is a part of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum that features
a replica of a turn-of-the-century cattle town. Among the structures in this 40 foot high exhibition space is a blacksmith shop, school, livery stable, photographer's studio, church and a railroad depot.
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| Rodeo Hall of Fame at Oklahoma City cowboy museum |
Among the museum's permanent exhibits are the Fine Firearms Gallery, the Museum of the Frontier West, the Native American Gallery, a Childrens Cowboy Corral and several others.
As you can see, a visit to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum can be a full day or more exploration of the American West. It's a fine addition to your vacation planner and just like the New Mexico History Museum is a fun and educational experience for the entire family.
For more information about the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and a schedule of events, see website www.nationalcowboymuseum.org
For great authentic and fun exhibits and and information regarding the history of cowboys, both of these venues, the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City are must stops if your vacation plans take you to either New Mexico or Oklahoma.
(Photos from author's collection)
