In the wide-open landscapes of Texas, where mesquite trees dot the rolling hills and cattle graze under an endless sky, cowboy poetry thrives as not only an art form… but a way of life. For more than a century, this poetic tradition has captured the stories of the American West. It celebrates the rugged resilience of its people and paints the enduring beauty of its landscapes. Texas, with its storied history of cattle drives, sprawling ranches, and frontier heritage, has played a central role in shaping and preserving this unique genre of storytelling.
Cowboy poetry has its roots in the late 19th century. Cowboys worked long hours, herding cattle across open ranges and along dusty trails. These cowhands, often isolated for weeks or months at a time, turned to storytelling, song, and verse as a way to entertain themselves during these long treks. Around the campfire, poetry became a means of camaraderie. It was a way to share experiences, and became a creative outlet for expressing the challenges and joys of cowboy life.
The first cowboy poets were working ranchers and wranglers, not formally trained writers. Their words reflected their harsh but exciting lives. Their verses were often humorous, poignant, or nostalgic, drawing on themes of hard work, solitude, and the natural beauty of the Western landscape. These poems captured the essence of a cowboy’s life—simple yet profound—and were shared orally, passed from one generation to the next.
Texas, with its rich ranching traditions and expansive cattle trails, has always been at the center of cowboy poetry. From the Chisholm Trail to the Goodnight-Loving Trail, Texas was the starting point for many of the great cattle drives that inspired countless verses. The state’s cultural diversity—blending Anglo, Hispanic, and Native American influences—also enriched the storytelling tradition, adding depth and variety to cowboy poetry.
One of the earliest documented cowboy poets from Texas was Lysius Gough, who published “Western Travels and Other Rhymes” in 1886. His verses, like those of his contemporaries, preserved the stories of frontier life during a time of rapid change. As the open range gave way to barbed wire and railroads, cowboy poetry became a way to hold onto the fading traditions of the Old West.
Several Texas-based cowboy poets have made significant contributions to the genre, ensuring its survival and relevance in the modern era.
Red Steagall, born in Gainesville, is one of the most celebrated cowboy poets and musicians of Texas, if not the entire country. As the Official Cowboy Poet of Texas, Steagall has dedicated his career to preserving the stories and values of the cowboy way of life. His poetry and songs often explore themes of family, faith, and the connection between cowboys and the land. His annual Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering and Western Swing Festival in Fort Worth brings together poets, musicians, and fans from across the country to celebrate Western heritage.
Larry McWhorter was a rancher and poet from Texas whose work captured the humor and heartbreak of cowboy life. McWhorter was known for his authenticity and his ability to articulate the experiences of working cowboys in a way that resonated with audiences far beyond the ranch. His poem “A Cowboy’s Night Before Christmas” has become a classic, blending wit and tradition in a way that only a cowboy poet could.
Joel Nelson, hailing from Alpine, is another modern-day cowboy poet who has left an indelible mark on the genre. A skilled horseman and rancher, Nelson’s work often reflects his deep bond with animals and the land. His poem “Equus Caballus”, a lyrical tribute to the horse, has been praised as one of the greatest cowboy poems of all time, capturing the spirit of the West in its purest form.
By the mid-20th century, the rise of modern conveniences and urbanization threatened to overshadow the cowboy way of life. However, efforts to preserve cowboy poetry gained momentum thanks to folklorists like John Lomax, a Texan who collected and published cowboy songs and poems. His work ensured that these oral traditions were documented and celebrated, keeping the spirit of the cowboy alive for future generations.
The 1980s saw a revival of cowboy poetry, with gatherings like the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, and the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Alpine, bringing renewed attention to the art form. These events not only honor the heritage of cowboy poetry but also provide a platform for contemporary poets to share their work and connect with audiences, with Texas playing a prominent role in this revival. The Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering, held each February in Alpine, celebrates the state’s rich cowboy heritage. Poets like Baxter Black, Waddie Mitchell, and Buck Ramsey have graced the stage at such events, inspiring a new generation of cowboy poets.
Cowboy poetry has surpassed just entertainment, it now serves as a living record of the American West. It captures the voices of those who lived and worked on the land, preserving their stories for future generations. For Texans, in particular, cowboy poetry is a source of pride—a reminder of the state’s enduring connection to its frontier roots. It reminds us of the values that defined the West: hard work, resilience, and a deep respect for nature. It also provides a unique lens through which to view the complexities of cowboy life, offering insights into the struggles and triumphs of those who called the range home.
As cowboy poetry continues to evolve, its role as a bridge between the past and present remains vital. Events like the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering and the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering ensure that this tradition stays alive, while poets like Red Steagall and Joel Nelson keep inspiring audiences with their words.
For Texans, cowboy poetry is more than just a tradition—it’s a testament to the spirit of the Lone Star State. Whether recited around a campfire or on stage in front of hundreds, the verses of cowboy poetry carry the echoes of a way of life that will forever be a part of Texas history.
