Honoring the Legacy of Black Inmate Cowboys in Texas!
Uncovering the Unique Story of the Texas Prison Rodeo!
Texas history:
The story of black inmate cowboys in Huntsville, Texas, is a vital part of the state’s history, and we must never forget it. Their contribution to the state’s culture and economy should be remembered and celebrated. Let us honor their legacy by keeping their story alive for future generations.
After the Civil War, Jim Crow laws in Texas targeted African Americans, resulting in a surge of prisoners leased out to private companies for labor.
The Huntsville Prison of Texas:
Huntsville, located north of Houston along Interstate 45, is known for its correctional facility. The road to the prison town is lined with dense rows of Loblolly pines.
The Texas Prison Rodeo:
In 1931, the general prison manager Marshall Lee Simmons introduced the Texas Prison Rodeo. The purpose of this rodeo was to provide recreational activities for the inmates and entertainment for the staff and their families.
The rodeo quickly gained a reputation as the wildest cowboy show in the area, attracting large crowds and receiving positive publicity for the…
