Rodeo is a sport known for it's patriotism, sportsmanship and tradition. Pecos, Texas likes to claim having hosted the first community rodeo in 1883 but credit is given to Prescott, Arizona Territory on July 4, 1888 because it charged admission, had a committee and spectators. The first events were bronc riding and steer wrestling. Although the first accredited event was until the 1880s ,recognized competitions began as early as 1969 when cowboys had friendly competition of daily ranching tasks. The sport didn't originally establish itself as a stationary event, in fact, it began as Wild West shows where cowboys traveled and exhibited special talents. The first show was Colonel William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody's Wild West extravaganza in 1882 followed closely by others such as Pawnee Bill's Historic Wild West, the Miller Brothers' 101 Ranch Real Wild West, the Tom Mix Circus and Wild West and Colonel Tim McCoy's Real Wild West and Rough Riders of the World.
Rodeo was a catalyst for equality in a time of race discrimination. The sport united Hispanic, African American and Anglo American athletes. Observers didn't see the color of their skin but instead realized their true talent. While American's today recognize baseball to be the first racially integrated sport in 1947, rodeo exceeded this by some 65 years! Rodeo truly encompasses the values of diversity, freedom, perseverance and hard work that our nation was built on and continues to rely on today.
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