Bill Pickett was born in Travis County, Texas, on this day. Though only 5’7″ and 145 pounds, he became one of the most legendary figures of the American West. Pickett is credited with inventing “bulldogging”, a unique form of steer wrestling where he would bite the animal’s lip to bring it down—a technique inspired by how bulldogs handled livestock.
He toured with the 101 Ranch Wild West Show and was one of the first Black cowboys to gain national fame. Pickett died on April 2, 1932, after being kicked in the head by a horse. He was posthumously inducted into multiple rodeo halls of fame, including the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1989.
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