Will Rogers is an Oklahoma citizen born as part of the Cherokee Nation who became a hugely famous figure in the 1920s. Performing in rodeos and on screen, being the most famous radio host and most read newspaper columnist of his time, Will Rogers was a liberally charitable celebrity and one of the most famous public figures during his career. Following his passing in 1935, a number of momentous things were named in his honor, one of these being Historic U.S. Route 66.
Following the completion of fully paving Route 66, towns located across the highway celebrated the opening of the roads. It has long been referred to as a number of names including the “Mother Road” and the “Main Street of America,” but it was probably best known in the Amarillo area as Will Rogers memorial Highway U.S. 66. When the country officially opened the road on July 4 of 1938, celebrations were held in communities along the route as well as Amarillo. Businessmen in the city came together that year to form the Will Rogers Range Riders named after the historic figure and the newly paved highway.
The Will Rogers Range Riders are one of the nation’s oldest, active riding clubs that has been continually operating since opening. The group was formed as an organization of people who could come together to share their love of horses and the sport of horseback riding. The club is located at 8829 Farm to Market Rd 1541, Amarillo, TX 79118 on the northwest side of the town located along the famous Route 66. With over 100 members of varying professions, the club was organized for two purposes. One of these purposes in addition to being an exclusive club was to serve the community.
In 1941, Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese on December 7 which caused a nationwide panic that sent the armed forces into preperation mode. Various groups around the country were designated as national defense groups that would fight within the country in case foreign forces invaded. The Will Rogers Range Riders were assigned to be one of these groups and each member was given 30-30 Winchester rifles. Although they were fortunate enough to not have to see any action, all of the riders were readily prepared.
Today, the club helps out law enforcement by providing horses for search and rescue missions across the Texas Panhandle. With a number of resources, the facility donates their space to non-profit groups for charitable functions and events. They also hold an annual Easter egg hunt for all children in the city to attend that has been a tradition since 1952.
The Will Rogers Range Riders were recognized to attend the parade celebrating Buford Jester’s inauguration as the Texas governor in 1947 and again in 1969 for Governor Preston Smith. On every fourth of July weekend, the Will Rogers Range Riders host the only rodeo held in the city of Amarillo which also is the second largest in the Tri-State area.
If you are interested in joining the Will Rogers Range Riders, you can download an application form on their website.
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Map from Will Rogers Range Riders to Wilson Haag:
Map from Will Rogers Range Riders to Amarillo Zoo: