Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center
To serve as a multifunction resource center for interactive educational experiences related to the culture and history of southeastern New Mexico.
The Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame exhibit space includes the chronological and historical depiction of Lea County from ancient times to present day and adds space for educational, artistic, and cultural exhibits from our region, as well as others. A 140-seat theatre has a state-of-the art video/audio system that can support movies, lectures, classes, and events. Since its inception, the Hall of Fame has given annual scholarships to deserving students, with some students receiving the award two years in succession.
The Staked Plains Roundup, our main event, was organized so ranchers, cowboys, and artists who depict fast-disappearing skills and traditions that meant survival for our ancestors could share their talents and heartfelt experiences gained from life on the plains with the local community and elementary school kids.
The Bronze Cowboy Award, which is awarded annually to no more than three men or women whose contributions to ranching and rodeo are outstanding, is given every year along with the Silver Concho Award which is given to men and women or animals not eligible for the Bronze Award, but who deserve to be remembered for their services throughout the county.
1978
Calvin Smith