Lucille Mulhall (1885-1940)
"Champion Lady Steer Roper of the World” / First Woman to Perform in Traveling Rodeo Show

Growing up on her family's ranch in Oklahoma, by the age of 10, Lucille was already an expert at riding, throwing a rope, and branding calves. By 13, Lucille was traveling and performing with the Rough Riders in her father’s "Wild West Show" which included Will Rogers.

Theodore Roosevelt saw Lucille perform in 1900 and deemed her "America's first cowgirl." Roosevelt bet her that she couldn’t rope a wolf, and he was captivated when she returned a few hours later, dragging a wolf behind her.

Her popularity was due to her skill, the result of perfect timing with her rope, unusual balance on her horse, and her diminutive size and ladylike demeanor. Lucille was inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1975 and National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 1977.