The Untold Story of the Mexican Vaquero, the Original Cowboy

Recent comments by Secretary of State Marco Rubio have sparked a debate about the true origins of the iconic American cowboy figure.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The image of the American cowboy as a quintessentially American figure is being re-evaluated, with recent comments by Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggesting the cowboy archetype originated in Spain. However, the story is more nuanced, tracing the cowboy's roots to the innovations of Mexican vaqueros, skilled horsemen and cattle handlers who adapted Spanish techniques to the challenging terrain of the New World. Despite their foundational role, the vaquero's contributions have often been marginalized in popular depictions of the American West.

Why it matters

Recognizing the Mexican vaquero's pivotal role in shaping the cowboy tradition challenges the dominant narrative and highlights the diverse cultural influences that have shaped this iconic American figure. Understanding the true origins of the cowboy can provide a more nuanced appreciation of the American West and the complex interplay of cultures that defined it.

The details

Spanish and Portuguese explorers introduced horses and cattle to the Americas in the 16th century, fundamentally altering ecosystems, cultures, and economies. The vaquero tradition then evolved, with skilled horsemen and cattle handlers of European, Indigenous, and mixed-race origins developing innovative techniques and equipment essential for managing livestock in the New World. The vaqueros refined riding and roping techniques, modified gear, and developed the Western saddle with its iconic horn. Many terms still used today, such as 'corral,' 'lasso,' 'bronco,' 'lariat,' and 'chaps,' have Spanish origins.

  • In the 16th century, Spanish and Portuguese explorers introduced horses and cattle to the Americas.
  • In recent comments at the Munich Security Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested the 'entire romance of the cowboy archetype' originated in Spain.

The players

Marco Rubio

The U.S. Secretary of State who suggested the cowboy archetype originated in Spain.

Héctor Medina Miranda

An anthropologist who notes that the vaquero didn't simply copy Spanish methods, but adapted and innovated to create something new.

Jim Hoy

A historian who observed that 'cowboys as we know them...would never have come into existence without the vaquero.'

Eric D. Singleton

A curator at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum who emphasizes that the cowboy represents a national mythology that continues to evolve as we re-examine its origins.

Vicente Fernández

A renowned Mexican singer known as 'El Charro de Huentitán,' who represents the enduring legacy of the vaquero tradition.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The story of the American cowboy is far more complex and diverse than often portrayed, with crucial contributions from Mexican vaqueros, Indigenous peoples, and other cultural influences. Recognizing these origins challenges the dominant narrative and provides a richer understanding of the American West and its enduring mythology.