From musicians to TV and film stars to sports icons, there are quite a few famous people from Arizona. Today, we are highlighting the one and only Rex Allen, who was born and raised on his family's ranch near the small town of Willcox. The singing cowboy was one of the top box office sensations of his era, starring in over a dozen Western films. Willcox even has a museum honoring him!
As sleepy a town as you've ever seen, Willcox is home to just over 3,000 people and offers a slow-paced lifestyle that harkens back to simpler times. Many of the buildings look like they're from the 1800s, and visitors think they've stepped back to the Old West.
Willcox is also incredibly scenic. From downtown, you can see the breathtaking Dos Cabezas Peaks, which tower over 8,000 feet into the air.
In keeping with the Wild West look, Willcox (the Willcox area, at least) is the proud birthplace of Rex Allen, better known as "the Arizona Cowboy." Allen was raised on a ranch in Mud Springs Canyon, about 40 miles from Willcox. He got started in performing by singing and playing guitar with his father at local functions.
After touring the American Southwest as a rodeo rider, kicking off his singing career on a Phoenix radio station, and performing on the National Barn Dance in Chicago, Allen made his show business debut on the East Coast. Eventually, he became one of the top 10 box office sensations of the era, starring in 19 Hollywood Western productions.
Today, you can visit the Rex Allen Museum in Willcox, which pays tribute to the singing cowboy, who passed away in 1999 at the age of 78.
Opened in 1989 (while Allen was still alive!), the museum features memorabilia from all of his various endeavors, including movie posters, artifacts, and more.
Also inside the museum is the Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame, which honors real cowboys (not just men!) from the Willcox area whose main source of income is/was the livestock industry.
The pride and joy of the museum is a bronze sculpture of Rex Allen created by artist Buck McCain. Located across the street from the building, the interior of the statue features a molded bronze heart with arteries, which is meant to symbolize the fact that Allen's heart will forever remain in Willcox.
To learn more about the Rex Allen Museum and Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame, including current hours and entrance fees, visit the Rex Allen Museum website or Rex Allen Museum Facebook page.
Did you know Rex Allen was born near the small town of Willcox? Are there any other famous people from Arizona who grew up in small towns? Tell us in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article for more things to do in Willcox.
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