Origins of the cowboy boot...

The "history" chapter of Tyler Beard's book, The Art of the Boot, is available for online reading on the Texas Monthly website.

The "History of Boots" provided by Cameron Kippen of Curtin University of Technology documents how footwear (including the cowboy boot) have reflected social, economical and political developments throughout time.

"A History of the Western Boot," by D.W. Frommer II traces the legends, the traditions, and the history of the cowboy boot all the way back to St. Crispin, the patron saint of shoemakers.

Bootmaker biographies...

An oral history was borrowed from the U.S. National Archives, and tells the life story of a New Mexico bootmaker, Beecher Lank.

"Enid Justin: Lady Bootmaker to the Nation"...created by the University of North Texas, the archival information featured in this project includes family and company photos, as well as taped interviews with Miss Enid herself! (Interviews available to visitors in real audio format.)

A pair of "Hyer Cowboy Boots" are part of the Kansas State Historical Society's "cool things archives". Read more about the Kansas entrepreneurs who claim to have "invented" the cowboy boot. (NOTE: Some Texans disagree.)

Bootmaker Charlie Dunn is featured here as a "famous Texan". (You can also check www.Texas-on-line.com for information on "This Day in Texas History".)