Welcome to the Legacy of Roy Rogers! If you are looking for a place to experience the history of one of the most iconic American icons, then look no further than his museum. Located in the heart of Branson, Missouri, the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum is a must-see attraction for anyone who appreciates the history of the Wild West and the heroes who made it famous. In this museum, you’ll discover a treasure trove of memorabilia, including guns, costumes, and even one of Roy Rogers’ beloved horses. Whether you’re a fan of cowboys or just looking for a fun day out with the family, the Roy Rogers Museum is definitely worth a visit. So saddle up, partner, and join us as we take a tour of the legacy of Roy Rogers!
The Brief History of the Roy Rogers Museum
The Roy Rogers Museum was first opened in 1967 in Victorville California, by Roy Rogers and his wife, Dale Evans. The idea behind the museum was to showcase all the memorabilia from their long and successful careers in the entertainment industry. The museum was originally named “The Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum and Happy Trails Theater.”
The museum’s exhibits showcased not only Roy Rogers and Dale Evans but also some of the other noteworthy western stars of that era. The museum was home to some of the rarest artifacts, including vintage photos, movies, and musical instruments that were used by many famous Western stars. The collection also included the costumes of Dale Evans and Roy Rogers’s famous horse, Trigger.
From Triggers to Memorabilia
The museum’s most famous exhibit was arguably Trigger, Roy Roger’s trusty horse. Trigger was a golden palomino stallion that appeared in over eighty of Rogers’ films. The horse was even given his own show in the 1950s known as “The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin and Trigger.” After his death in 1965, Rogers had Trigger stuffed and put on display at the museum. The museum became a tribute to Rogers’ career as well as an ode to his famous horse.
Throughout the years, the museum expanded, opening new locations throughout the United States, including Branson, Missouri, and Happy Trails Resort in Apple Valley, California. The museum even expanded to include a restaurant and children’s play area, making it a popular family destination.
Notable Exhibits
The museum’s exhibits featured many unique and rare items in addition to Trigger’s display. One of the popular exhibits included the beautiful costumes used in many of Rogers and Evans’s movies and TV series. The museum also had a collection of rare guns, including the gun used by Paul Newman in the movie “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” The museum also showcased a collection of wagons and carriages from the 1800s, which were used in many Western films and TV shows.
Another popular exhibit in the museum was the antique car collection, which included Dale Evans’s famous pink Cadillac. The museum also showcased memorabilia from other famous performers like John Wayne, Gene Autry, and Hopalong Cassidy.
The Disappearance of the Roy Rogers Museum
Despite its popularity, the Roy Rogers Museum closed its doors in 2009 due to financial difficulties. The museum’s memorabilia collection was sold to a private collector, Neil Holmes, who had a deep interest in Western memorabilia. The items were once again put on display, this time at The Western Folklife Center in Elko, Nevada.
Although the museum no longer exists, it remains a cherished memory for many who visited it during its time. The museum’s memorabilia collection still holds a special place in the hearts of fans of the Western genre and has sparked interest in new generations of Western fans.
The Roy Rogers Museum remains a testament to the legacy of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, who both lived remarkable lives and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.