Home   •   Journal   •   Before They Ride West: John Wayne Rides Into the Reagan Library

The Journal

Before They Ride West: John Wayne Rides Into the Reagan Library

arrow iconBack to Journal
Mounted display of Roy Rogers’ horse Trigger, Dale Evans’ horse Buttermilk, and their dog Bullet at John Wayne: An American Experience in Fort Worth.
Trigger, Buttermilk, and Bullet, on generous loan from RFD-TV in memory of its Founder and our friend Patrick Gottsch. The trio has been part of a free public display at John Wayne: An American Experience since 2020.

This fall, John Wayne: An American Experience is honored to loan select artifacts to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library’s exhibition Cowboys: History and Hollywood.

Visitors can view The Cowboys costume ensemble (1972) and the 26 Bar Ranch buckle and Sam Sisco belt (1976) in Fort Worth through September 17 before they travel to California.

The Cowboys Costume Ensemble (1972)

The Cowboys costume ensemble worn by John Wayne in the 1972 film, featuring vest, mauve shirt, and khaki pants, displayed at John Wayne: An American Experience. Caption: John Wayne’s screen-worn costume from The Cowboys (1972).
Group display of costumes at John Wayne: An American Experience with John Wayne’s screen-worn The Cowboys (1972) costume centered, third from left.

26 Bar Ranch Buckle and Sam Sisco Belt (1976)

Close-up of John Wayne’s sterling 26 Bar Ranch buckle mounted on a tooled Sam Sisco belt, gifted by Ronald and Nancy Reagan in 1976.
John Wayne’s 26 Bar Ranch buckle and Sam Sisco belt, a gift from Ronald and Nancy Reagan in 1976.

Trigger, Buttermilk, and Bullet

Trigger, Buttermilk, and Bullet
Trigger, Buttermilk, and Bullet, on a generous loan from RFD-TV and its Founder and our friend, Patrick Gottsch. The trio has been part of a free public display at John Wayne: An American Experience since 2020.

A Legacy of Friendship and History

The exhibition opens October 18, 2025, in Simi Valley, California, and runs through April 19, 2026. Cowboys: History and Hollywood brings together John Wayne and Ronald Reagan, celebrating two American icons and their enduring influence on Western history and Hollywood storytelling. John Wayne and Ronald Reagan shared a lasting friendship built on mutual respect.

John Wayne with Ronald and Nancy Reagan, reflecting a lasting friendship.
John Wayne with Ronald and Nancy Reagan, reflecting a friendship that spanned Hollywood and public life.

Plan your visit

See the artifacts in Fort Worth before they depart September 17, and view Trigger, Buttermilk, and Bullet in the museum store before they join the exhibition.

John Wayne: An American Experience
Special Exhibit: Cowboys: History & Hollywood



arrow iconBack to Journal
The Official Network of ProRodeo The Official Network of ProRodeo