Cowboys' Christmas Ball: An Anson Tradition Since the 1880s

The Cowboys' Christmas Ball is most commonly traced to a dance held in December 1885 when M. G. Rhoads held a dance at his Star Hotel in Anson, though some historical accounts give 1887 as an alternative date. It became a tradition tied to the ranching culture of early Jones County. A poem about the ball by William Lawrence Chittenden, first published in 1890, made it famous beyond the county. The event has continued for generations and is considered a piece of living West Texas heritage.

The ball is held in Anson each December. It features traditional Western dancing and period costumes. If you are new to the area or visiting around the holidays, it is worth checking local announcements for the current year's dates and tickets. The Handbook of Texas documents its origins if you want to learn more about the history behind it.