When did rodeos first start using rodeo queens?

Question

When did rodeos first start using rodeo queens?

Answer 1

If you want a date, this would be a hard claim by rodeo history.

Back around 1880's after the Native Americans were forced into reservations, and the East and Europe was interested in the tales of Wild Bill, Custer, Jesse James, etc, along with the "cowboy,"  traveling groups formed in order to make money.  This was to entertain people moving out West.  

You've seen photos and  movies of cowboy and Indian parades, trick riding horses, trick/fancy roping, singing, sharp shooting, fancy shooting, horse races, relay and pony express racing, steer riding,  bronco riding,   showing off a Bison or long-horn steer, Indian acts, and items for sale made of buckskin, Indian beaded work and blankets, artwork, etc.    I think small (unemployed ) cavalry groups did drills.  There was usually a "Grand Entrance" parade.

The lady entertainers were not really rodeo queens, they were part of the parade and entertainers.   Some acted as clerks and sold tickets, helped acts with costumes and set-ups,  raced horses, rode broncs, did trick riding,  helped in others' acts, and Annie Oakley did her sharp shooting.

Since a large part of the show was  Native Americans, and they participated in the competitions,  the whole Indian family traveled together.   They set-up an Indian camp, exhibits, and things to buy.   Many times there was an  " Indian Princess, " and her maidens,  daughter to one of the Chiefs in the show.  

Back then, the USA had broken off any ties to the monarchs of Europe since it formed an elected republic.   So the promoting of a lady entertainer would be "World's Best ...... ,"  Lady Liberty, "Miss (town's name), "Goddess of Liberty, or Goddess of the Round-Up.   The title was of no importance except for parade purposes.  A valuable bucking horse or a a cowboy band would be advertised before mention of the ladies in the parade.  Sometimes other women or the Native American  women who traveled and set up camp would be the 'Court'  or   'Maidens' so people could see costumes.   This happened  town after town as the show moved on.

There were still ranch rodeos which were simple  gatherings at individual ranches.  The round-ups were bringing in crowds and money.  People would travel the state as this became an important entertainment.

Since promotion and financial backing was needed, a local stockman, land owner,or  business owner would help with tickets ahead of time and getting a place for the round-up or frontier show.  The town needed to raise money to build.

  Since the local town would get involved, a fair type atmosphere developed.   Seeing the ladies in the parade, other ladies wanted to be a part of  the parade.   It worked out that the daughters of prominent area men wanted to head the parades,  abd wear crowns with a fancy cowgirl outfit or dress.  This was discussed with the show's owners.   The men of influence wanted a local representative  - who may or may not have a horseriding talent  -  but got the glamour and a crown.    Of course the title was 'fixed' but in following years, it became competitive because some winners knew nothing about the history of the frontier, horse wrangling, and

could not ride in a race.  Some winners were set by their father's financial 'status'   or  hair, dress, and how many round-up tickets they sold.

From this, the round-up queens became not just a pretty face and outfit, but one that could ride their horse, ride another's horse, be able to race around the arena while waving and stop for the crowd.   So part became a modeling 2 or 3 outfits with hair down, answering round-up or history questions and those about horses.   They had to have good manners, and were observed at a tea and a supper.    The other part of the competition was one of horsemanship, riding 2 horses in patterns and one racing.   During this part, the hair could be in a ponytail or braided.

This was a very unique beauty contest !     The winner was local and could represent the town and had knowledge of the round-up and horses.

It was decided not to use a pagan image but go ahead and use the title "Queen" because the queen would be elected locally and the title had no power.   So the first were called Round-Up Queens  or  Festival Queen and hence as the show progressed to more athletic compeition, Rodeo Queen.

I would hazard to guess the first goddess was about 1890 and the local round-up queens about 1910.

Later, at a huge round-up, representatives from each state came in their finest dresses and costumes and made quite an impression on the crowd as they rode in the parade and were presented each night.    Therefore, this later turn into a National Rodeo Queen.    Since there are different pro rodeo's there became  an International Rodeo Association  and yearly queen  and  the Rodeo Cowboys Association and yearly queen.  ..   ...  sorta  like   Miss America and  Miss USA.

I think all of this is pretty interesting !

My  Great- great- Aunt was a Festival Queen when she was age 19.   We have a photo of her dressed in a very fancy dress with peacock feathers behind her.  She is posed like a model, with head turned.   She won money, an expensive crystal bowl, and hair 'adornments' that were metal set with rhinestones.  

My great Aunt said that this brought much attention to her by suitors.   At age 21, she married into a respected family in her town.

Answer 2

This is the horse racing section.

Answer 3

When all the straight cowboys left the rodeo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, I apologize for that, may a thousand pigmies c**p on my lawn tonight..........