Amarillo’s New Statue Celebrates Panhandle Cowboy Spirit

When many people think about Texas, and Amarillo specifically, the first thing that tends to come to mind is cowboys and horses. Sure, it's a bit of a stereotype, and not true in the sense of how people perceive our city and state, but it's the perception.

Now, while it may not be thousands of cowboys running around chasing cattle, it is our heritage, and we are extremely proud of it. It's what this state was built on, and to this day, still a huge part of our culture and what drives us.

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Our Heritage On Full Display

When you drive through Amarillo, you see the work of farmers and cowboys on a daily basis. Like I said, we don't run and hide from it. "The smell of money" constantly ruminates through the air in the Texas Panhandle, and it's a smell that we may not like...but we are proud of it because we know it means the economy is rolling well.

There is even a Cowboy Hall of Fame in Ft Worth, and I'm not talking about the Dallas Cowboys. It honors those who excelled in rodeo during their time, as well as those who personified the Western lifestyle here in Texas.

A New Statue In Amarillo

Now, Amarillo has a little piece of cowboy history thanks to King and Dianne Hill. "The Amarillo Cowboy" statue was recently unveiled at Amarillo City Hall, and it's a nod to King's grandfather, who was a cowboy on the LX Ranch.

You can see the statue paying tribute not just to King's grandfather, but to all the cowboys who work the rugged lifestyle, outside the council chambers in the Amarillo City Hall building.