bucking bronco and a steadfast cowboy in wool chaps

myminifactory

Oklahoma's State Capitol features a stunning cowboy sculpture that was the first to be installed on its grounds, created by Constance Whitney Warren in 1930. The intricately detailed bronze sculpture depicts a bucking bronco and a steadfast cowboy in wool chaps, representing Oklahoma history through the eyes of cowboys who rode across her land. Scheduled for dedication on May 30, 1930, the event was initially led by Governor William J. Holloway and Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Albert C. Hunt but had to be postponed due to Will Rogers' inability to attend. The succeeding governor, William H. "Alfalfa Bill" Murray, ordered a tarpaulin to cover the statue after he received rumors that Rogers supported Democratic presidential nominee Franklin D. Roosevelt. When the tarpaulin disappeared, Governor Murray issued a $500 reward for its recovery, excluding Will Rogers from the list of suspects. However, when the tarpaulin vanished again, Rogers humorously claimed that it was likely blown away by a cyclone to Governor Murray's backyard. The sculpture was eventually dedicated 27 years later on November 14, 1957, by Governor Raymond Gary.