Rex Allen Arizona Cowboy Museum and Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Arizona Cowboy Museum & Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame

Established	1989
Location	150 N. Railroad Avenue, Wilcox, AZ 85643, United States
Type	Hall of fame

Rex Allen "Arizona Cowboy" Museum and Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame

A Western outfit and boots worn by Rex Allen

The Rex Allen Arizona Cowboy Museum and Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame is a special museum in Willcox, Arizona, United States. It celebrates the life of Rex Elvie Allen, who was born near Willcox. Rex Allen was famous as the "Arizona Cowboy" and "Mister Cowboy." He was a real cowboy who also became an actor, singer, and songwriter.

Rex Allen was one of the last "singing cowboys" in movies during the 1950s. He also narrated many nature and Western films for Disney. The museum shows off many items from his life. You can see photographs, movie posters, cowboy outfits, music records, and musical instruments. Right across the street from the museum, there is a bronze statue of Rex Allen.

The museum also includes the Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame. This part of the museum honors local cowboys. It features portraits of old-time cowboys who worked hard in the ranching industry in the area.

Honoring Cowboy Legends

The Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame began on September 10, 1983. It was created to celebrate the important contributions of cowboys and cowgirls to the history and culture of the Willcox area. Each year, new individuals are chosen to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. These people are recognized for their skills, dedication, and impact on the ranching community.

First Inductees: 1983-1985

The first group of cowboys and cowgirls were honored in 1983. They included people like Ted Kortsen, Ray Wien, and Bill Busenbark. In the following years, more legends were added.

• 1983
  • Kortsen, Ted
  • Wien, Ray
  • Busenbark, Bill
  • Sanders, Ben
  • Browning, Ernest
  • Sommer, Harry

• 1984
  • Hudson, Jim
  • Wilson, Bert
  • Moore, Larry

• 1985
  • Gardner, Claud
  • Warren, Mila
  • Leon, Juan Sierra

More Honored Cowboys: 1986-1988

The tradition of honoring local cowboy heroes continued. More people who made a big difference in the ranching world were recognized.

• 1986
  • Harris, H. L. "Butch"
  • Adams, Lloyd

• 1987
  • Saxon, Harry
  • Riggs, Billie

• 1988
  • Gardner, B. A.
  • Page, G. W. "Boozer"
  • Hurtado, Florencio "Lencho"

Later Inductees: 1989-1991

The Hall of Fame kept growing, adding more names of people who helped shape the cowboy way of life in Arizona.

• 1989
  • Byrd, Cecil M.
  • Whelan, William "Billy" H
  • Larsen, Sabina

• 1990
  • Lane, Elvie
  • Riggs, Brannick
  • Hooker, Henry Clay
  • Busenbark, Jack

• 1991
  • DeBorde, Will
  • Wear, W.D. "Dee" Jr.
  • Martin, Caleb

Recent Inductees: 2019-2021

The Hall of Fame continues to honor new members each year. The most recent inductees were recognized for their lasting impact on the cowboy heritage.

• 2019
  • Cannon, Jo
  • Tout, Jim

• 2020
  • Kimble, Ralph B.
  • Darnell, Billy

• 2021
  • Thrasher, Gary
  • Todd, Larrie "Rooster"