18 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2025 PAST N We e S S A Legacy Steeped in Western Heritage and Connections TRESSA LAWRENCE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER The first annual National Western Stock Show (NWSS) was held in January 1906. More than 100 years later, the “Super Bowl” of stock shows welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests and more than 12,000 head of livestock annually. Building the Legacy Prior to 1906, there were several attempts at holding a stock show in Denver, starting in 1874. Exhibitions were held sporadically over the years, but it was not until March 1905 that plans came together for the annual stock show we know today. Elias Ammons, George Ballentine, president of Denver Union Stock Yard Company, and Fred P. Johnson, publisher of Record-Stockman, are credited with orchestrating the 1906 stock show, then known as the Western Live Stock Show. The driving force for hosting a stock show was to demonstrate better breeding and feeding techniques to stockmen across the west. For the first few years, the organizers erected a big-top circus tent on the “Hill” to host shows and events. Initially, the show was limited to livestock raised in the West, but by 1907 it had expanded to include livestock raised as far east as the 99th Meridian, which is located approximately mid-Kansas. 1907 also marked the introduction of horse shows and the first carload show, which has continued in various capacities since then. The carload shows are held in the “Yards,” which is one of the many things unique to the NWSS. 1931 marked the Silver Jubilee or 25th anniversary of the extravaganza. To celebrate, the stock show incorporated rodeo into their growing list of events. Since that time, NWSS has been known for hosting the greatest rodeo athletes, both human and animal. Over the decades, buildings have been added, including livestock barns, show rings, offices and education centers. The most recent addition includes the National Western Center, which is being built in partnership with the City and County of Denver, NWSS and Colorado State University. Now, competitors come from across the world to enjoy the 16-day event. More than 25 breeds of cattle will flow in and out of the show rings, with shows for all ages to compete in. The stock show has been held every year with the exception In the 1980s, the Hebbert Family showed the Grand Champion Pen of Feeder Calves.
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