Walk The Proud Land

I always knew the land I regularly walk was a piece of America’s past, but it’s not just any past – it’s a tale woven with adventure, grit, and the birth of a new identity. This stretch of earth, once part of the original Oklahoma Land Run, carries within it the pioneering spirit of those daring enough to claim it in the 1889 land rush. Today this part of my home state is called Red Dirt Country.

The history of the land doesn’t stop there. After its initial claimant, the land came into the possession of the Mulhall Family, a name synonymous with rodeo and ranching royalty. The Mulhalls were not just any family; they were pioneers in their own right, a family whose legacy was indelibly tied to the Wild West and its vibrant culture.

Among them was a remarkable figure: Lucille Mulhall. In the whirlwind of dust and hooves, she emerged as a trailblazer, carving out a name for herself in a world dominated by men. Lucille was no ordinary woman. She was a performer and a rodeo star whose skills and daring feats left audiences spellbound. It was Will Rogers himself who dubbed her “the first cowgirl,” a term that has come to symbolize strength, bravery, and the breaking of feminine norms.

Lucille’s story is one of resilience and breaking boundaries, and it’s this compelling narrative that has inspired me to write my upcoming book, “Walk The Proud Land.” The book will delve into Lucille’s incredible journey and the rich history of the land I now steward. Through it, I hope to illuminate the stories of those who came before us and to capture the essence of what it truly means to walk the proud land.

As I wander through the fields, I often imagine Lucille riding across the plains, her eyes fixed on the horizon, embodying the essence of the American frontier. Her legacy is imprinted in every grain of soil, every whisper of the wind that rustles through the tall prairie grass.

Though the land has seen many seasons and many owners, its story continues to unfold. With “Walk The Proud Land,” I aim to honor the past while sharing a story that resonates with the spirit of adventure and innovation. Lucille’s legacy is not just a relic of history; it’s a living testament to the courage and tenacity that define us.

Stay tuned as I bring Lucille Mulhall’s story to life, paying homage to the land and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to dream. Together, we’ll embark on a journey through time, exploring the roots of the word “cowgirl” and celebrating the land that holds such profound stories of America’s vibrant past. As always these past 18 years, thanks for visiting and please come back often.



Discover more from Eric Hatheway

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Author: Eric Hatheway

Eric Hatheway is a formally trained fine artist, visual designer and photographer based in Tulsa, Oklahoma U.S.A. Eric successfully combined a marketing degree and an art degree to create a design studio that operated in Tulsa for 25 years serving clients around the world. Currently, Eric works only by special arrangement and commission with a special emphasis on designing brands, the production of fine art and the production of photographic works.

Thanks for visiting!