December 01, 2025

This Week in the West: Bill Pickett, King of the Bulldoggers

4 minutes

🤠This Week in the West

🎙️ Episode 57: Bill Pickett, King of The Bulldoggers

📢 Episode Summary:

This week’s episode of This Week in The West celebrates the remarkable life of Bill Pickett, born December 5, 1870—one of the most iconic and innovative cowboys in American history. Known for an almost unbelievable act—bringing down steers with his teeth—Pickett captured national attention in the early rodeo world with a technique inspired by ranch bulldogs. Growing up in post–Civil War Texas as the son of formerly enslaved parents, Pickett learned horsemanship, cattle handling, and grit early in life, shaping him into a legendary figure who would transform rodeo forever.

Pickett’s invention of “bulldogging,” the precursor to today’s steer wrestling, launched him into fame on the rodeo circuit and in the great Wild West shows of the early 1900s. Performing with the 101 Ranch Wild West Show alongside icons such as Buffalo Bill Cody and Will Rogers, he astonished crowds across the nation and around the world. Despite racial barriers that forced him at times to pass as Mexican or Native American to perform, Pickett pushed forward and became the first Black cowboy movie star, appearing in early silent films that showcased his extraordinary skills.

Even after his days in the spotlight, Pickett continued working as a cowboy until he died in 1932. His legacy lives on through his membership in multiple halls of fame and as a foundational figure in rodeo history. As Zack Miller of the 101 Ranch once said, “Bill Pickett was the greatest sweat-and-dirt cowhand that ever lived—bar none.” The episode honors his incredible life, fearless talent, and enduring influence on the American West.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

How Bill Pickett invented the rodeo event of bulldogging (steer wrestling) and where the idea came from

What life was like for a Black cowboy performing in the early 1900s, including the challenges of segregation

How Pickett became a global star through Wild West shows and went on to become the first Black cowboy movie actor

👥 Behind the Scenes

Host: Seth Spillman

Producer: Chase Spivey

Writer: Mike Koehler

🔗 Further research:

Norman Studios’ work with Pickett in silent films, including rare footage: https://normanstudios.org/films-stars/norman-films/the-bull-dogger/

The Infamous Bill Pickett Postage Stamp: https://postalmuseum.si.edu/exhibition/art-of-the-stamp-the-artwork-stamps-with-a-story/the-bill-pickett-incident

More information from The Cowboy: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/breaking-trail-the-life-of-bill-pickett/

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By The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

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