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Welcome to The Cowboy Code
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It seems these days we have lost sight of the Cowboy way, and those great lessons it taught us. We have forgotten Gene Autry, Hopalong Cassidy, The Lone Ranger and the many other great Cowboy figures of a bygone generation. In an effort to try and revive those ideals and promote them, I have started The Cowboy Code Blog and The Cowboy Code Deputy Marshals.

After thinking about it, I sat down and did some research and read all the old Cowboy creeds, codes, commandments, etc. that I could find. While they are all very similar in nature, they are at the same time all different. After much thought, I put down my Cowboy Code below which contains the spirit of all the original Cowboy codes and a few original thoughts of my own. I can only hope that it would gain the approval of all those Cowboy roll models who inspired it.

This is not a normal blog for my commentary. I have a blog for that. I will only be posting articles here about the Cowboy Way. This page is my small effort to keep the "Cowboy Code" alive in the hopes that a new generation will adopt it.

The Cowboy Code

1. A cowboy always tells the truth and keeps his word.
2. A cowboy is a Patriot and defends the American way.
3. A cowboy never betrays a trust or takes advantage.
4. A cowboy is brave, but never careless.
5. A cowboy defends the weak and helps them.
6. A cowboy is kind to children, old folks, and to animals.
7. A cowboy is free from racial and religious prejudice.
8. A cowboy is clean in thought, word, deed and person.
9. A cowboy is loyal, hard working and maintains a high ethic.
10. A cowboy is thankful for what God has given him.

Return with me to those thrilling days of yesteryear, have a good visit, and find something to take with you.

If you like the Cowboy Code, please link to the site. Web stickers and banners are available here. The Blog Roll for The Cowboy Code is called The Cowboy Code Marshals and is located here.
Thanks for stopping by.

Christopher

My Hero Gene Autry

Gene Autry Centennial 1907-2007

2007 marked the Centennial of one of the great American Cowboys, Gene Autry. The Singing Cowboy, with his trusty steed Champion sang his way into America's heart through film, radio and television. In fact to this date, Autry is the only entertainer in history to have a star on the Hollywood walk of fame in all five categories!

His Cowboy Code was the inspiration for this site.

Links:

The Country Music Hall of Fame page on Gene.
The Autry National Center.

Gene Autry's "Cowboy 10 Commandments"

1. A cowboy never takes unfair advantage.
2. A cowboy never betrays a trust.
3. A cowboy always tells the truth.
4. A cowboy is kind to small children, to old folks, and to animals.
5. A cowboy is free from racial and religious prejudice.
6. A cowboy is helpful and when anyone is in trouble he lends a hand.
7. A cowboy is a good worker.
8. A cowboy is clean about his person and in thought, word, and deed.
9. A cowboy respects women, his parents, and the laws of his country.
10. A cowboy is a patriot.

Gene Autry Website

Texas Charm School Lesson 3

If you find yourself driving down the rural roads in Texas you will quickly notice the finger wave. Texans drive with one hand on the top of the wheel. As you approach oncoming traffic, the drivers will raise two fingers on that hand. This is the finger wave.

This may seem trivial but it aint. This is a big deal. If you fail to finger wave of return the finger wave Texans will think less of you. You will be considered, “stuck up.”

The finger wave is not the only important wave in Texas roadway etiquette. There is also the passing wave. This is not to be confused with the pass me wave. The passing wave is needed when someone pulls to the shoulder to let you pass. Failure to execute the passing wave will be interpreted as ingratitude.

The pass me wave is done by a driver with his left hand. The driver will lift two fingers to his ear and motion forward. This is a go ahead signal. At that point you are free to pass without any fear of acceleration. Follow up with a passing wave.

Being Texas friendly on the Texas roadways is not only a moral imperative but smart. Texans will help you when you’re broke down. They will give you great directions. They are happy to meet folks from other places. And they will be happy to lend a hand if you have trouble of any kind.

Cowboy Video

The Ten Gallon Cowboy Hat

A ten-gallon hat is a type of cowboy hat. The name came about because of a linguistic misunderstanding. Cowboy hats arrived in Texas via Mexico, with Mexican vaqueros (cowboys) who wore hats decorated with galloon (narrow braided trimming) around the crown. The Spanish word for "galloon" is "galón." Texas cowboys misunderstood the word "galón" for "gallon," and a false legend was born. In fact, a ten-gallon hat holds less than a gallon, and if it were to actually hold 10 gallons, it would be too large to wear on the head.

Texas Charm School Lesson 1

The English language suffered a terrible loss a while back. It seems that as a culture we no longer saw fit to use a second person singular pronoun. “Thee” was dropped so “you” started doing double duty as both plural and singular. This left us without the ability to distinguish between the two.

Well in the Southern United States, we rectified that situation. We use the term “you all.” We also contracted that term to, “y’all.”

The apostrophe in that contraction disappears sometimes leaving us with, “yall.” This comes in handy when we use compound contractions such as, “yall’re.” You might hear, “Yall’re in a big hurry!” That would look ridiculous with more apostrophes.

I can’t answer for the whole South but I have a pretty good grip on the Texas vernacular. Let me make this perfectly clear. Y’all is only a plural pronoun. Nobody with a modicum of intelligence uses “Y’all” as a singular pronoun. That use of the word is strictly for Sandy Squirrel, idiots and people who try to sound southern. Misuse will quickly identify you as one of those three.

Cowboys and Freemasonry

This is a short list of Freemason Cowboys, Pioneers and Western Types:

Acuff, Roy - "King of Country Music".
Arnold, Eddie - Country Music legend and member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Austin, Stephen F. - American colonizer and political leader who worked to make Texas a state of Mexico but later helped Texas settlers gain their independence (1836). Known as the 'Father of Texas'.
Autry, Gene - American actor who made some 90 movies from the 1930s through the 1950s, cowboy singer ("Back in the Saddle Again" and more), and professional sports team owner (owner of the California Angels baseball team). Many young people today have grown up listening to his rendition of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer".
Boone, Daniel - U. S. pioneer.
Bowie, James - American-born Mexican colonist who joined the Texan forces during the struggle for independence from Mexico. He died during the defense of the Alamo.
Carson, Christopher "Kit" - Frontiersman, scout and explorer.
Clark, Roy - Country-Western star and singer; member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Clark, William - American explorer and frontier politician who joined another Freemason, Meriwether Lewis on the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Clemens, Samuel L. - Mark Twain - Writer and humorist.
Cody, "Buffalo Bill" William - American guide, scout and showman, he founded the "Wild West Show" which toured Europe and America. Cody, Wyoming is named after him.
Colt, Samuel - Firearms inventor and manufacturer. He invented the first revolver.
Crockett, David ('Davy') - Frontiersman and politician. US Representative from Tennessee who joined the Texas revolutionaries fighting against. Mexico. He died at the siege of the Alamo.
Dodge, Henry - First U.S. Marshal in Missouri, Governor of Wisconsin Territory, Senator from Wisconsin.
Easton, Rufus - First postmaster west of the Mississippi River.
Gatling, Richard J. - Inventor of the famous "Gatling Gun".
Houston, Sam - American general who became the 2nd&4th President of the Republic of Texas. When Texas was admitted to the Union, he served as US senator and governor.
Lewis, Meriwether - American soldier and explorer.
Marshall, James W. - Discovered Gold at Sutter's Mill California 1848.
Mix, Tom - Champion rodeo rider, soldier and cowboy, he stared in over 400 western films
Murphy, Audie - Most decorated American Soldier of WWII, he also achieved fame as an actor in movies (Westerns) .
Rogers, Roy (Leonard Franklin Slye) - "King of the Cowboys".
Travis, Colonel William B. - American military leader who commanded the Texans who died in defense of the Alamo.
Wayne, John - "The Duke".

A huge list of Famous Masons can be found at http://www.masonicinfo.com/

Hopalong Cassidy's "Creed for American Boys and Girls"

1.The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty. Be mindful at all times.
2.Your parents are the best friends you have. Listen to them and obey their instructions.
3.If you want to be respected, you must respect others. Show good manners in every way.
4.Only through hard work and study can you succeed. Don't be lazy.
5.Your good deeds always come to light. So don't boast or be a show off.
6.If you waste time or money today, you will regret it tomorrow. Practice thrift in all ways.
7.Many animals are good and loyal companions. Be friendly and kind to them.
8.A strong, healthy body is a precious gift. Be neat and clean.
9.Our country's laws are made for your protection. Observe them carefully.
10.Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than you. Be glad and proud you are an American

Website.

Roy Rogers' "Rider's Rules" & Prayer

1. Be neat and clean.
2. Be courteous and polite.
3. Always obey your parents.
4. Protect the weak and help them.
5. Be brave but never take chances.
6. Study hard and learn all you can.
7. Be kind to animals and care for them.
8. Eat all your food and never waste any.
9. Love God and go to Sunday School regularly.
10. Always respect our flag and our country.

Roy Rogers’ Prayer

Lord, I reckon I'm not much just by myself,
I fail to do a lot of things I ought to do.
But Lord, when trails are steep and passes high,
Help me ride it straight the whole way through.

And when in the falling dusk I get that final call,
I do not care how many flowers they send,
Above all else, the happiest trail would be
For YOU to say to me, "Let's ride, My Friend"
AMEN

Website.

The Lone Ranger's Creed

1. I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one.
2. That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.
3. That God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself.
4. In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right.
5. That a man should make the most of what equipment he has.
6. That "this government, of the people, by the people, and for the people," shall live always.
7. That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.
8. That sooner or later... somewhere... somehow... we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken.
9. That all things change, but the truth, and the truth alone lives on forever.
10. I believe in my Creator, my country, my fellow man.

Website.

The Code of the American Cowboy

(From Patrick Wayne's Eulogy to his father, John Wayne.)

1. A cowboy does not judge color of skin, but by character within.
2. A cowboy always respects a lady and tips his hat to all that pass him by
3. A cowboy stands strong for what the American frontier is all about: Freedom, Truth, Justice and the American way.
4. A cowboy will not be wronged, nor wrongs another. The justice he deems out depends on that.
5. A cowboy is loyal, and hard working and maintains a high ethic.
6. A cowboy loves his country, and will fight for it’s principles and sovereignty.
7. A cowboy respects his animals and the earth they roam upon.
8. A cowboy is faithful to what is entrusted to him.
9. A cowboy is bound by duty, honor, and gratitude for what God has given him, which includes his friends and family.
10. A cowboy maintains a hidden code in his heart, for all to see.

John Wayne Website.

Wild Bill Hickok "Deputy Marshal's Code of Conduct"

1. I will be brave, but never careless.
2. I will obey my parents. They DO know best.
3. I will be neat and clean at all times.
4. I will be polite and courteous.
5. I will protect the weak and help them.
6. I will study hard.
7. I will be kind to animals and care for them.
8. I will respect my flag and my country.
9. I will attend my place of worship regularly.

Wild Bill Hickok Website
Website dedicated to Bill Elliott

Texas Rangers "Deputy Ranger Oath"

1. Be Alert.
2. Be Obedient.
3. Defend the Weak.
4. Never Desert a Friend.
5. Never Take Unfair Advantage.
6. Be Neat.
7. Be Truthful.
8. Uphold Justice.
9. Live Cleanly.
10. Have Faith in God.

Official Texas Rangers Website
"Tales of the Texas Rangers" Page

Code of the West

(from "Cowboy Ethics: What Wall Street Can Learn from the Code of the West" by James P. Owen)

1. Live each day with courage.
2. Take pride in your work.
3. Always finish what you start.
4. Do what has to be done.
5. Be tough, but fair.
6. When you make a promise, keep it.
7. Ride for the brand.
8. Talk less and say more.
9. Remember that some things aren't for sale.
10. Know where to draw the line.

Cowboy Up America

Cowboy Up America

When a Cowboy's in a pinch
he just tightens up the cinch,
spurs his horse and rides right through it
cause that's the way the Duke'd do it.
He'd Cowboy Up.

And with our country now in danger
a cowboy's like the old Lone Ranger.
Ridin' hard and shootin' straight
fightin' those who spread the hate.
He'd Cowboy'd Up.

A Cowboy's ready and he's willin'
to face the foe, like Marshal Dillon.
And when the gunsmoke clears away
Cowboy Spirit wins the day.
So, Cowboy Up. Pull your hat down tight
and don't back down from what is right.
We'll bring back "Happy Trails" for you
like Hoppy, Gene and Roy would do.

Think back about Flight 93
and how those heroes came to be.
They knew that thousands more could die
if they just let that airplane fly
They Cowboy'd Up.

One widow had this tale to share.
A husband's love and one last prayer.
And when their sacrifice was done
terror lost and Freedom won
"Let's Roll", he said and Cowboy'd up.
Cause Cowboys fight until they win
just like TV's Paladin.

They will not let our flag unravel
as long as they Have Gun, Will Travel
And Cowboy Up, hell bent for leather.
Cause we're all in this fight together.
We're ridin' hard right on their trail
and with God's help, we will prevail.

If Gary Cooper, Joel McCrea
and Randolph Scott were here today
they'd fight for what is right and true
like Rex and Tex and Lash LaRue.
Who weren't afraid to Cowboy Up.

So, let's give Uncle Sam a hand
cause we're all ridin' for his brand.
And with that Texan in the saddle
our posse's gonna win the battle.
Let's Cowboy Up, pull our hats down tight.
Be rough and ready for the fight.

Our country's through with playin' games.
We're kickin' butt and taking names.
Yeah, Cowboy'd Up, pard, that means you.
Stand up tall and 'fore we're through
we'll kick 'em right in their gee-had
Cause now, they've made the Cowboys Mad.

© 2002, Jeff Hildebrandt

From Cowboy Up.

Cowboy Hat Etiquette

Whenever you enter a building, you should remove your hat. If it is an informal event you may put the hat back on again, however it should be left off if it is a formal event.

When sitting down at a table, you should remove your hat when you eat, provided there is somewhere safe to place it. If you are sitting down at a counter for a meal however, it is acceptable to retain your hat on.

It is appropriate to take your hat off outdoors when:
a) when you are being introduced or saying goodbye
b) to greet someone you know in the street
c) when talking, particularly to women or older men
d) when the national anthem is being played
e) at a funeral or near a funeral procession

Tipping your hat is done by barely lifting it off your head (By the crown of a soft hand or by the brim of a stiff hat). It is appropriate to tip your head when:
a) when walking with a friend who passes a woman only your friend knows
b) any time a lady who is a stranger thanks you for some service
c) anytime you excuse yourself to a woman stranger
d) when you ask a woman or elderly man for directions
e) anytime a stranger shows a courtesy to a woman you are with

You should always take your hat off indoors, except under the following conditions:
a) in public buildings, e.g. railway station or post office
b) in entrance halls and entrances to hotels or office buildings
c) in elevators of public buildings or offices

Supporting the Cowboy Code

If you would like to support the Cowboy Code and link to this site, please feel free to use any of these graphics and link them to:

http://thecowboycode.blogspot.com

Feel free to email me if you have questions.