Uncovering the Black Cowboy Legacy with Larry Callies
When most people think of cowboys, they rarely envision the rich, vibrant history of African American ranchers and riders who were instrumental in shaping the American West. Larry Callies, founder and operator of the Black Cowboy Museum in Rosenberg, Texas, is changing that narrative by preserving a powerful story of heritage, skill, and resilience largely overlooked in traditional Western histories.
From the early 1850s, when African Americans comprised most cowboys in Texas, to the complex legacy of Black cowboys who drove cattle across treacherous trails and faced discrimination while earning profound respect within their crews, this untold story is a testament to the extraordinary contributions of Black Americans to the frontier experience.
In celebration of Black History Month, we sat down to visit with Larry Callies, founder and operator of the Black Cowboy Museum in Rosenberg. We wanted to uncover his inspiration for starting the museum, as well as learning more about the heritage of Black Cowboys in Texas.
The answers below are his with only minor grammatical edits.
Mr. Callies, tell us about yourself and what inspired you to create the Black Cowboy Museum?
My name is Larry Callies. I’m from a small town called El Campo and I went to school in Boling where I graduated and then went to Wharton Junior College. I used to be a country western singer. George Strait’s manager was my manager and Clint Black's band was my band. I lost my voice in 1990. I have something called vocal dysphoria. It’s a nerve that attacks my vocal cords and when you try to talk it makes it hard to talk. When I lost my voice, I lost my band and manager. I’m a Christian first and a cowboy second. I know when God closes one door, he opens another one. God said I want you to open a Black Cowboy Museum. I said, “God I can’t even talk.” I stepped out in faith, and when I stepped out in faith this is what happened. I have a museum and it’s pretty amazing. Everything that's in my museum, God has his fingerprints on.
What sparked your passion for preserving and sharing the history of Black cowboys in Texas?
This was a story that needed to be told over 40 years ago. Nobody ever wanted to tell that story. I worked at the George Ranch, and they used to call me Cowboy Larry. I told the New York Times that Cowboys and country music have been whitewashed for decades. The word cowboy came from slaves. Back then they had a house boy, a yard boy, and a cowboy. Somebody who worked cows was called a cowboy. People didn’t know that until I opened my museum. Now you see all these people that want to be cowboys. They don't even know what it is or where it came from.
What can visitors expect to see and experience when they visit the Black Cowboy Museum?
They can expect to see pictures they've never seen and stories they've never heard. I have a badge from South Carolina in 1850. The badge says plantation police, runaway slave patrol, South Carolina. I have had thousands of people come to my museum and only one person has ever heard of it.
How do you collect and curate the items displayed in the museum?
God brought people to my museum. People started coming to my museum and donating items. Everything from sewing machines to telephones. Just about everything I have, people have brought me. I have so many items I can’t even display them all. The support of the community has led to the success of this museum.
What are some lesser-known facts about Black cowboys that visitors might be surprised to learn?
Did you know the real Lone Ranger was black? Bass Reeves was a black cowboy. The African Americans were the original cowboys.
Why do you think the stories of Black cowboys have often been overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream history?
They just didn't want to put the black cowboy on television. I’ve had people from other museums say we've had this museum for 40 years, and we’ve never heard of Black Cowboys. When they come here, I tell them the history.
How have you dealt with challenges in telling this history?
I love to be challenged. In 1850 they started driving cows to Louisiana from Texas. In 1860, they started driving cattle to Kansas. Guess who drove those cattle? I said it was the black cowboys. Back then in Texas, a white man was called a cow man, a cow person, or a cow driver, but not a cowboy. The word cowboy was a dirty word.
Do you have a favorite story or memory from interacting with visitors to the museum?
Most visitors are shocked by this history. I'm closed on Mondays. But I once had a group of people visit from Taiwan, and it was on a Monday. They called me so I came to open the museum on a day I’m normally closed.
How can visitors and heritage travelers support your work and the mission of the museum?
I just love the challenge. I encourage people if they think they know the history, just come and ask me. I have never had anybody leave disappointed. If people want to donate, they are welcome to, but the largest thing they can do to support is just come visit and learn this history.
Why is it important for people to learn about black history?
If you don’t learn your history, you’re bound to repeat it. It is important to know your history and where you come from. The only thing I learned about African Americans in history in school was that he invented the traffic light but that is wrong, there is so much more.
Are there any individuals from Texas history that you think everyone should know about?
Samuel McCullough. He was the first person wounded at Goliad. He is one of my ancestors.
How does the museum connect with the local community and promote education about Black history?
I love working with kids to teach this history. The African Americans were the inventors. The telephone, the GPS, the typewriter, the electric lamp I love teaching this history that’s been overlooked to kids. I have a coloring book I have for kids that also teaches them history.
Do you host any special events, programs, or tours during Black History Month or throughout the year?
I go visit schools and churches and teach them history. I don't just teach them history; I teach them who God is. That's what I like to do is teach the kids and tell them where God comes from and who God is.
Want to know more about African Americans in Texas? Check out our mobile tour! It's full of stories, videos, and audio clips that will help you learn more about this vibrant community played a vital role shaping the Lone Star state into who we are today. Or visit our African American Heritage page to learn even more!