Billy McGinty (1871–1961) was a renowned cowboy, war hero, and entertainer whose life was filled with adventure. He became a celebrated figure in the American West, befriending iconic figures like Teddy Roosevelt, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Frank “Pistol Pete” Eaton. McGinty started his cowboy career young, gaining a reputation as a skilled horseman. At 14, he worked on ranches across Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona.
McGinty’s bravery shone during the Spanish-American War in 1898 when he rode with Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. Notably, he fought in the Battle of San Juan Hill and volunteered for a dangerous mission to supply food and water to soldiers under heavy fire, earning high praise from Roosevelt.
After the war, McGinty became a star in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, reenacting battles and showcasing his bronc-riding skills. He also made history as the first bronc buster to appear in a movie. Upon returning home, McGinty became a local celebrity in Ingalls and Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he and his friend Frank Eaton entertained audiences with stories of their adventures.
In the 1920s, McGinty lent his name to Billy McGinty’s Oklahoma Cowboy Band, a popular radio act, though he never played an instrument himself. His charm as an announcer helped the band achieve national fame.
McGinty passed away in 1961 and was posthumously honored in 2000 with induction into the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, cementing his legacy as a cowboy legend.
