Back in Time Today
Despite what Westerns might have you believe, one in four cowboys was Black. Yet Hollywood rarely showed their faces—or gave them the credit they deserved. These 17 Black cowboys helped shape the Wild West, breaking barriers on ranches, in rodeos, and on the frontier. Their real stories are more riveting than fiction.
1. Bose Ikard
Trusted by famed rancher Charles Goodnight, Bose Ikard rode thousands of miles on cattle drives, becoming an unsung hero of the American West. His life inspired the character Joshua Deets in the novel “Lonesome Dove,” though his real story remains largely untold.
Ikard’s ability to navigate the trails and maintain peace among the crew made him an invaluable asset. Despite his influence, his name rarely surfaces in Hollywood portrayals, leaving a gap in the true narrative of Western history.
2. Isom Dart
Isom Dart’s life was a blend of cowboy heroism and outlaw intrigue. Starting as a ranch hand and rodeo rider, he later faced accusations of cattle rustling, leading to his assassination by the infamous gunman Tom Horn.
Dart’s story is filled with drama and complexity, tailor-made for cinematic adaptation, yet Hollywood has not fully embraced it. His multifaceted life, marked by both triumphs and trials, remains an intriguing chapter in Western history.
3. Nat Love
Born into slavery in 1854, Nat Love became a legendary figure in the American West. Known for his unrivaled skills in wrangling cattle and mastering marksmanship, he survived many perilous adventures, including being captured by Native Americans. His daring exploits were immortalized in his autobiography, which offered rare insights into Black life on the range.
Nat Love’s story is one of resilience and adventure, a narrative rich with the essence of the Wild West. His contributions have been largely overlooked in popular culture, yet his legacy continues to inspire.
4. Bill Pickett
Bill Pickett, born to formerly enslaved parents, revolutionized the rodeo world with his invention of bulldogging, a daring technique involving biting a cow’s lip to bring it down. His extraordinary skill brought him fame, touring with the 101 Ranch Wild West Show.
Despite his innovation, mainstream cowboy films excluded him for decades. Pickett’s legacy, however, remains etched in the annals of rodeo history. His fearless spirit and groundbreaking contributions continue to resonate, challenging the narratives often portrayed in Western films.
5. George McJunkin
George McJunkin, a self-educated former slave turned cowboy, made a groundbreaking discovery of the Folsom archaeological site in New Mexico. This find proved humans lived in North America far earlier than previously believed.
Though historians celebrated McJunkin’s contribution, Hollywood largely ignored his story. His keen intellect and determination to uncover the past have left an indelible mark on archaeology, yet his achievements remain overshadowed in popular culture.
6. Mary Fields
Mary Fields, known as “Stagecoach Mary,” defied every stereotype of the dainty frontier lady. First Black woman to work for the U.S. Postal Service, she was renowned for her fierce temper and impeccable aim. Her cigar-smoking, gun-toting persona made her a legend.
While her story has appeared in pop culture, Fields has yet to receive a starring role. Her life challenges the conventional narratives of the frontier, embodying strength and independence.
7. Bass Reeves
Bass Reeves, one of the first Black U.S. Marshals west of the Mississippi, is believed to have arrested over 3,000 criminals during his career. Some speculate that the iconic Lone Ranger character was based on Reeves, though his legacy was whitewashed in popular media.
Reeves’ fearless pursuit of justice and unparalleled dedication to his duty paint him as a true Western hero. His story challenges the sanitized portrayals often seen in films, offering a richer, more authentic narrative.
8. Fred Whitfield
Fred Whitfield, a modern rodeo star, has won multiple world championships in tie-down roping. Despite battling racism both on and off the circuit, his achievements remain overshadowed compared to his white counterparts.
Whitfield’s story is one of perseverance and triumph, navigating the complexities of contemporary rodeo culture. His contributions to the sport continue to inspire, though his name is rarely mentioned alongside other rodeo legends.
9. Jesse Stahl
Jesse Stahl’s prowess in rodeo often surpassed that of his white competitors, yet he faced unfair scoring, often receiving low marks even when he was the only one to stay on the bronco. Despite this, he made history and left a lasting impact on the sport.
Stahl’s story is a testament to his skill and determination, challenging the biases prevalent in his time. His legacy remains a powerful reminder of the struggle for equality in the world of rodeo.
10. John Ware
John Ware, born into slavery in the U.S., became one of Canada’s most respected ranchers. He played a pivotal role in establishing Alberta’s ranching industry, yet his story remains largely untold in Hollywood.
Ware’s journey from enslavement to prominence is a remarkable tale of resilience and innovation. His contributions to Canadian agriculture are celebrated locally, though his legacy rarely crosses into mainstream Western storytelling.
11. Addison Jones
Addison Jones, known as “Old Add,” was a master horseman and trail boss, earning him immense respect among his peers. Despite his skills, his name is rarely mentioned in Western lore.
Jones’ life on the Chisholm Trail is a fascinating tale of leadership and expertise, navigating the challenges of the frontier. His legacy, though largely forgotten in popular culture, remains a testament to the often-overlooked contributions of Black cowboys.
12. Britt Johnson
Britt Johnson’s harrowing journey to rescue his kidnapped family from the Comanche is a tale of courage and determination. Later, he worked as a freight hauler and rancher, embodying the spirit of the frontier.
His bravery rivals any Western hero’s, yet his story is missing from the screen. Johnson’s life is a powerful narrative of resilience, inspiring those who seek to uncover the hidden histories of the Wild West.
13. Ned Huddleston
Ned Huddleston, sometimes confused with Isom Dart, led a life brimming with outlaw adventures and gunfights. His double identity and narrow escapes are the stuff of spaghetti Westerns, yet his story remains untold by Hollywood.
Huddleston’s dynamic life, filled with intrigue and drama, offers a unique perspective on the complexities of the frontier experience. His story challenges the traditional narratives, providing a richer, more diverse account of Western history.
14. Robert Lemmons
Robert Lemmons, known for his unique technique of taming wild mustangs, became a quiet genius among ranchers. By leading them with his own horse, he gained their trust and acceptance into the herd.
Lemmons’ gentle approach and intuitive understanding of horses made him a legend in his own right. His contributions to ranching remain largely uncelebrated, yet his legacy continues to influence those who follow in his footsteps.
15. Daniel Webster “80 John” Wallace
Once enslaved, Daniel Webster “80 John” Wallace transformed into a prosperous ranch owner and influential cowboy in Texas. His success story defied systemic efforts to erase Black landownership and achievement.
Wallace’s legacy is one of triumph over adversity, illustrating the powerful potential of resilience and determination. His story remains an essential, yet often overlooked, chapter in the history of the American frontier.
16. Leon Coffee
Leon Coffee, one of the first Black professional rodeo clowns, became a Hall of Famer through his vibrant showmanship and life-saving skills in the ring. His work broke barriers across the rodeo circuit.
Coffee’s story is a celebration of humor, courage, and trailblazing spirit, showcasing the unique role of rodeo clowns in Western culture. His contributions continue to inspire, though his legacy is often overshadowed by more traditional cowboy narratives.
17. Charlie Sampson
In 1982, Charlie Sampson made history as the first Black cowboy to win a world championship in bull riding. His journey to greatness involved shattering both bones and racial ceilings.
Sampson’s story is a powerful narrative of determination and courage, challenging the barriers of his time. His achievements in the rodeo world continue to resonate, inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they face.