Cowboy Hill facts for kids
Cowboy Hill is a special historic place in Oklahoma. It's on a high piece of land called a bluff, looking over the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River in Kay County, Oklahoma. This spot has a lot of history connected to the old West and the cowboys who lived there.
Cowboy Hill: A Historic Oklahoma Landmark
Cowboy Hill was once part of the famous 101 Ranch. In 1930, Zack Miller, who owned the 101 Ranch, gave this land to a group called the Cherokee Strip Cowpunchers Association. He let them use it for as long as they needed it. Later, in 1959, Zack Miller officially gave ownership of Cowboy Hill to the Oklahoma Historical Society.
Who is Buried at Cowboy Hill?
There's a cemetery at Cowboy Hill. Zack Miller, the owner of the 101 Ranch, is buried there. Also buried there is Jack Webb, who was famous for his amazing trick-shooting skills. Jack Webb performed with the 101 Ranch Wild West Show.
The Cherokee Strip Cowpunchers Association
The Cherokee Strip Cowpunchers Association was started in 1920. To join this group, you had to have worked as a cowboy on ranches in the Cherokee Strip. This was before 1893, which was the year the land was opened for people to settle there.
When the association first started, it had about 400 members. The wives of the members could also join a group called the Ladies Auxiliary. In 1921, Joe Miller was chosen to be the president forever. The association also had its own magazine, called the 101 Magazine. This magazine was made for "old-timers" (experienced cowboys) and young people. It was also for anyone who loved the "Great Southwest" and the outdoors.
