Black cowboys have always been a staple on the American landscape. One of the most well-known, was Bill Pickett.
Pickett was born in 1870 in Jenks Branch, Texas. He left school in the fifth grade and mastered horse riding and observing the Texas longhorn steers.
Pickett is best known for inventing the technique of bulldogging, which is a essentially dragging cattle by their horns and wrestling them to the ground.
He became known for his stunts and tricks at local fairs. With his four brothers, he established the Pickett Brothers Bronco Busters and Rough Riders Association.
He performed his bulldogging act and traveled throughout the West.
In 1905, Pickett joined the 101 Ranch Wild West Show, which featured Bufffalo Bill, Will Rodgers, Tom Mix, Bee Ho Gray, and Zach and Lucille Mulhall.
Pickett performed under the name Dusky Demon. He toured domestically and internationally and appeared in motion pictures.
Pickett's race was often a barrier to performing, so he claimed Comanche heritage.
He performed in two films, the Bull-Dogger and the Crimson Skull.
Pickett died after being kicked in the head by a bronco in 1932.
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