Rubio credited Spain for the origins of the American cowboy. Mexico begs to differ - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Patrick J. McDonnell

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The origins of the American cowboy have sparked a heated debate, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio claiming the archetype was born in Spain, while others argue its roots lie in Mexico. This discussion, ignited during Rubio’s remarks at the Munich Security Conference, has drawn responses from figures like New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who emphasized the contributions of Mexicans and descendants of enslaved Africans to the cowboy tradition. Historians agree that both sides have valid points but only tell part of the story. While Spain played a role in introducing horses and cattle to the Americas during the 16th century, the cowboy tradition as it evolved in the U.S. West owes much to Mexican vaqueros, who were integral to managing livestock and shaping ranching practices. Their contributions, however, are often overlooked in popular depictions of cowboys, which frequently portray them as bandits rather than foundational figures. The roots of cowboy culture can be traced back even further, to the Iberian Peninsula before Spain’s unification, where Moorish horse breeds were bred with native stock to create versatile mounts for managing cattle. These practices were crucial during the Spanish conquest of Mexico and the subsequent colonization efforts, which relied heavily on non-native livestock to sustain settlements. However, the cowboy identity as it is widely recognized today grew out of a unique blend of Old World techniques and New World adaptations. The challenges of managing cattle in the vast, varied landscapes of the Americas required new skills, leading to innovations that set Mexican vaqueros apart from their Andalusian predecessors. This evolution highlights how cultural exchange shaped the cowboy tradition into something distinctly American. Ultimately, the debate over the cowboy’s origins reflects broader discussions about cultural identity and historical narratives. While Rubio may have sparked the controversy by simplifying a complex history, the conversation underscores the importance of recognizing the diverse influences that shaped this iconic figure—a reminder that history is rarely as straightforward as it seems.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/23/2026