The Case:
A Staten Island woman has a well-worn saddle with the name “Bill Pickett” burned into it. She believes it was once owned by legendary cowboy Bill Pickett, an African-American Wild West Show and film star.
Pickett invented bulldogging, the rodeo event now known as steer wrestling. His back story is perhaps most intriguing: born to slave parents, Pickett rose to entertain kings and dignitaries on an international tour of his Wild West show, and he counted among his friends Will Rogers and Tom Mix.
History Detectives visits the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, meets a real-life steer wrestler and talks with a 101 Ranch historian about the legacy of the legendary “Bulldogger”.
Related Content
Video:
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
Coney Island Lions
Could this be an artifact from the bygone days of early amusement parks?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Lincoln Oath
Was this note penned by Abraham Lincoln?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Ince Ledger
What does this accounts ledger for a movie company have to do with the changing world of the Lakota Sioux?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Crazy Horse Photo
Is this the only photograph of a Native American legend?
-
Related Investigation
Broadway Ballet Shoes
Did this dancer's great-great-grandfather teach Salvatore Capezio to make ballet shoes?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Mystery Crystal Cross
Where did this mysterious religious relic discovered in an old Spanish mission originally come from?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.