National Western Statue

Public Art: National Western Statue

Sculptor: © Herb Mignery

Date: 2006

Description: A Bronze statue of a (a life-and-one-quarter-size) cowboy with, gun in a holster, lasso over shoulder and Stetson on his head gazing into the distance.

Location: On the corner of Broadway and Tremont St (Sertoma Square) in a rebuilt rock planter immediately northeast of the Brown Palace Hotel.

Commissioned By: National Western Stock Show Association

History: The statue was commissioned by the National Western Stock Show Association in celebration of its 100th anniversary and symbolizes the role it played in Denver’s Western heritage. The “not for profit” organization was incorporated on March 10, 1906. The first show opened on Monday, January 29, 1906, near Denver Stockyards on South Platte River, with an attendance of 15,000. Stockmen came from Omaha, Kansas City, Chicago and some eastern cities to attend the livestock show.

Today, the two-week show is held at the National Western Complex and is billed as the largest livestock exhibition in the world, packed with nonstop shows and demonstrations. The event attracts well over 600,000 people each year. National Western’s Mission Statement is “To preserve the western lifestyle by providing a showcase for the agricultural industry through its emphasis on education, genetic development, innovative technology and offering the world’s largest agricultural marketing opportunities.”