10/17/2026
Bill Kennedy’s photographs of the Texas Prison Rodeo document the annual event for inmates of the Texas Prison System, located in Huntsville, Texas. Marshall Lee Simmons, the general manager of the prison system, started the rodeo in 1931. The rodeo raised money for recreational and educational programs for inmates. Eventually, outside funding to those programs from the federal government, along with structural issues in the arena, led the prison rodeo to end in 1986.
Bill’s photographs were made between 1971 and 1981. Visit PDNB Gallery to view these photographs and more from our current exhibition, The Last Cowboy Song. We are open until 5pm today!
Images:
Bill Kennedy, Opening Ceremonies, Texas Prison Rodeo, c. 1977-81
Bill Kennedy, Boots and Spurs, Texas Prison Rodeo, c. 1977-81
Bill Kennedy, Weldon Byrd, Out of the Chute, Texas Prison Rodeo, c. 1977-81
Bill Kennedy, Weldon Byrd, Saddle Bronc Buckle, Texas Prison Rodeo, c. 1977-81