Senate declares July 26 the National Day of the American Cowboy

JACKSON (WNE) — Wyoming U.S. Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis introduced a bipartisan resolution that declares July 26 as the National Day of the American Cowboy.

The resolution was passed unanimously. Other co-sponsors of the resolution were senators from Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, North Dakota, Nebraska and Texas.

“In Wyoming, we commit to following the Cowboy Code: living a life of honesty, hard work and integrity,” Barrasso said in a press release on Wednesday. “The American cowboy symbolizes the spirit, values and traditions that we cherish most.”

Started in 2005 by U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas, R-Wyo., the National Day of the American Cowboy traditionally coincides each year with Cheyenne Frontier Days, which was founded 125 years ago and runs for 10 days from the end of July to the start of August. It’s considered the world’s largest outdoor rodeo.

Teton County has its own rodeo in the summer. The Jackson Hole Rodeo starts on Memorial Day and runs three days a week until the first week of September. The rodeo and fairgrounds at the heart of Jackson are one of the ways the community continues to celebrate the Western heritage and traditions of the rodeo.

As early as 1884 cattle ranching began in the valley, said Samantha Ford, director of historical research and outreach for History Jackson Hole. There are many ranches that remain across Jackson Hole, from dude ranches for visitors to catch a glimpse into an old way of life to the ranches that provide local beef to restaurants and markets in the area.

“While Wyoming celebrates our cowboys and cowgirls every day, I look forward every year to the National Day of the American Cowboy where everyone across the country recognizes the tremendous impact they have on the heritage and values of America,” Lummis said.

This story was published on July 25, 2025.