Our History
Learn more about the the colorful history of the National Western Stock Show, Rodeo and Horse Show, which will celebrate its 107th birthday in 2013!
Begin by reading The First 25 Years at the National Western |
Historic Badges
See our Historic Badges from 1944 to 2006.
 |
Historical Photo Gallery
View our Historical Photo Gallery
 |
Timeline
See how the National Western Stock Show has changed over the years by browsing our timeline from 1899 to 2010. Here are some excerpts:
1906 |
First show opened on Monday January 29 and ran for six days. Attendance was estimated at 15,000 and the Grand Champion steer sold for 33 cents a pound, 23 cents over the market price! |
1931 |
The 25th National Western presented the first Rodeo in conjunction with the Livestock and Horse Show. |
1954 |
The Westernaires made their first appearance at the Rodeo. |
1981 |
The show increased to 12 days and included 21 Rodeo performances. A still-standing record of $301,000 was paid at auction for a Hereford bull. |
2006 |
National Western celebrates its 100th anniversary! The show’s attendance reached 726,972 for the 16-day show and the grand champion steer sold for $75,000 or $58 per pound! |
|
Citizen of the West
 The Citizen of the West, selected by a committee of community leaders, is an annual award given to individuals who embody the spirit and determination of the western pioneer, and who are committed to perpetuating the West’s agricultural heritage and ideals.
Dr. John Matsushima
is our 2013 Citizen of the West!
| |