A Celebration of Pioneer Spirit: The 2024 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Welcomes Its Newest Members
The spirit of the American West filled every corner of Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, as the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame celebrated its 48th Annual Induction Luncheon and Ceremony. The prestigious event drew over a thousand attendees who gathered to honor four remarkable inductees whose stories have enriched the tapestry of Western heritage.
The afternoon was nothing short of magical as the arena transformed into an elegant celebration space, adorned with magnificent floral arrangements featuring yellow roses of Texas and purple wildflowers. The excitement was palpable as guests from across the country came together to celebrate these extraordinary women who have shaped the modern Western landscape.
“The energy in the room was absolutely electric,” shared Patricia Riley, museum executive director, following the ceremony. “Each of these incredible women has not only made history in their respective fields but has inspired countless others to pursue their dreams with the same determination and grit that built the American West.”

A Revolutionary Vision: Beth Cross’s Impact on Western Wear
The audience sat captivated as Beth Cross took the stage, her journey from a horse-loving girl in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, to co-founder of Ariat International resonating deeply with everyone present. Cross’s acceptance speech touched on the importance of innovation in preserving Western traditions, drawing knowing nods from the countless riders who had experienced first-hand how her revolutionary boot designs had transformed their sport.
“When we started Ariat in 1992, we had a simple goal—to make better boots for riders,” Cross shared with the audience. “Today, standing in this arena among so many remarkable women who have shaped the Western way of life, I’m reminded that innovation and tradition aren’t opposites—they’re partners in keeping our heritage alive and thriving.”

The Queen of the Arena: JJ Hampton’s Lasting Legacy
The room erupted in cheers as JJ Hampton, the pride of Stephenville, Texas, stepped forward to accept her honor. Her impressive achievements—17 Women’s Pro Rodeo Association world championships and 25 national championships—drew enthusiastic applause, but it was her dedication to giving back through the Johnny Wayne Hampton Memorial Roping that touched hearts.

During her moving acceptance speech, Hampton shared stories of her first rodeo at age four, bringing tears and laughter to the audience as she recalled the mentors who shaped her journey. “This honor isn’t just mine,” Hampton declared, her voice thick with emotion. “It belongs to every person who believed in a little girl with big dreams and a rope in her hand.”

Breaking Barriers: Kaila Mussell’s Historic Achievement
When Kaila Mussell took the stage, the arena fell silent in reverence for the woman who had changed the face of saddle bronc riding forever. The first female professional in both the PRCA and CPRA spoke powerfully about perseverance and the importance of following one’s passion, regardless of conventional boundaries.
“Every time I got on a bronc, I wasn’t just riding for myself,” Mussell shared with the rapt audience. “I was riding to prove that passion and determination know no gender.” Her words resonated deeply with the young riders in attendance, many of whom had traveled from across North America to witness this historic moment.

The Pack Horse Library Project: A Collective Legacy Honored
In perhaps the most touching moment of the ceremony, descendants of the original Pack Horse librarians accepted the honor on behalf of these brave women who had brought literacy to Kentucky’s most isolated communities during the Great Depression. The presentation included newly discovered photographs and letters that brought their remarkable story to life, moving many in the audience to tears.
As Elizabeth Fullerton’s granddaughter accepted the award, she shared never-before-heard stories of her grandmother’s experiences leading the “book women” through the challenging terrain of eastern Kentucky. The audience sat spellbound as she described their bi-monthly journeys, painting a vivid picture of determination that transcended mere book delivery to become a mission of hope and connection.

The Pack Horse Library Project: A Collective Legacy Honored
In perhaps the most touching moment of the ceremony, descendants of the original Pack Horse librarians accepted the honor on behalf of these brave women who had brought literacy to Kentucky’s most isolated communities during the Great Depression. The presentation included newly discovered photographs and letters that brought their remarkable story to life, moving many in the audience to tears.
As Elizabeth Fullerton’s granddaughter accepted the award, she shared never-before-heard stories of her grandmother’s experiences leading the “book women” through the challenging terrain of eastern Kentucky. The audience sat spellbound as she described their bi-monthly journeys, painting a vivid picture of determination that transcended mere book delivery to become a mission of hope and connection.

A Day of Triumph and Tradition
As the ceremony drew to a close, the impact of the day was evident in the warm embraces, tears of joy, and animated conversations that filled the arena. The 2024 class of inductees had not only joined the ranks of over 240 extraordinary women in the Hall of Fame but had also reinforced the enduring relevance of Western values in today’s world.
“Today wasn’t just about celebrating individual achievements,” reflected Riley as the event concluded. “It was about recognizing the countless ways women continue to shape and strengthen our Western heritage. Each of our inductees represents a different facet of that legacy—from revolutionary business leadership to athletic excellence, from breaking gender barriers to spreading literacy across mountain trails.”

The 48th Annual Induction Luncheon and Ceremony will be remembered as more than just another event in the museum’s storied history. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West and the women who continue to push its boundaries, inspire its future, and preserve its rich heritage for generations to come.
As the sun set over Fort Worth that evening, the impact of the day’s celebrations continued to resonate. The 2024 inductees had added their own unique chapters to the ongoing story of the American West—a story that grows richer and more inspiring with each passing year.