Cowboys and Presidents

At the turn of the 20th century, the American presidency became intertwined with the emerging image of the cowboy portrayed in art, literature, and popular culture. United States presidents from Theodore Roosevelt to George W. Bush used the iconic image to define themselves and their administrations to the nation and the world.

The exhibition explored the fascinating and ongoing intersection of cowboy culture and presidential politics, revealing the impact of cowboy imagery in both domestic and international contexts through photographs, political cartoons, motion pictures, and newsreels.

Sponsors for the exhibition included Valero Energy Corporation, Texas Heritage Songwriters Association, and Allens Boots.

Support for the Bullock Museum's exhibitions and education programs provided by the Texas State History Museum Foundation.