Who created the monument and when was it erected?

The monument was sculpted by Constance Whitney Warren (who fashioned the statue while living in Paris, France) and was erected in 1925. It was officially unveiled on January 17, 1925, by Governor Pat M. Neff.

What is the significance of the Texas Cowboy Monument?

The work was presented to the State of Texas as a tribute to the state as the "native home of the cowboy" and to honor the "rough and romantic riders of the range."

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Texas Cowboy Monument in Austin

Q: What is the Texas Cowboy Monument?

The Texas Cowboy Monument is an outdoor memorial commemorating Texas' cowboys, located on the Texas State Capitol grounds in Austin, Texas. It features a bronze statue of a cowboy riding a rearing horse atop a concrete base.

Texas Cowboy Monument

Located on the historic Texas State Capitol grounds, this striking 1925 bronze monument by sculptor Constance Whitney Warren captures a rugged cowboy atop a rearing horse, celebrating Texas as the native home of the cowboy.

Open prototype

Official site

Get directions

What to know

Erected in 1925, the Texas Cowboy Monument is a historic outdoor memorial situated on the Texas State Capitol grounds in Austin, Texas. Sculpted by Constance Whitney Warren, this dynamic bronze statue depicts a cowboy riding a rearing, bucking horse set atop a sturdy concrete base. The sculpture serves as a tribute to the \"rough and romantic riders of the range,\" celebrating Texas's legacy as the \"native home of the cowboy.\"\n\nThe monument's creation has a fascinating international connection. A plaque on the concrete base states that Constance Whitney Warren, originally of New York, fashioned the statue while residing in Paris, France. Despite its European creation, the artwork captures the untamed spirit of the American West. The bronze statue features a cowboy masterfully handling a bucking horse, with a detailed cactus sculpted directly below the animal, grounding the scene in the Texas desert landscape.\n\nThe monument was officially unveiled on January 17, 1925, by Texas Governor Pat M. Neff. The dedication ceremony was a major state event, attended by numerous state officials and members of the legislature who gathered to honor the state's ranching heritage. Today, the memorial remains a key feature of the Capitol grounds, preserved and maintained by the Texas State Preservation Board as part of its collection of historic monuments.\n\nVisitors exploring the Capitol grounds can easily view this sculpture alongside other historical markers. The monument stands as a testament to early 20th-century public art and the enduring cultural symbol of the Texas cowboy.

Visitor tips

Look for the plaque on the concrete base detailing the sculptor's time in Paris.
Examine the base of the bronze statue to spot the detailed cactus sculpted beneath the horse.
Combine your visit with a broader walking tour of the surrounding Texas State Capitol grounds.

Nearby context

The Texas Cowboy Monument is located on the beautifully landscaped grounds of the Texas State Capitol, making it a seamless stop while exploring Austin's civic heart. Just a short walk away, you can visit the majestic Texas State Capitol building itself to admire its grand architecture. Additionally, the historic Old Bakery & Emporium is nearby, offering a wonderful spot to discover local history and crafts after viewing the outdoor monuments.