In 1955, Oklahoma City was picked over Dodge City, Kansas, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the site for what was then called the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Museum .
Almost 70 years later, OKC’s selection as the home of what’s now called the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is literally paying off.
The venerable museum is expected to generate a total economic impact of $313 million on the state of Oklahoma and the OKC metropolitan area in this decade, according to a recent economic impact study conducted by the local research firm RegionTrack .
“The cultural impact of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is known throughout our state, nation and world. This study confirms that we are an economic powerhouse as well,” said museum President and CEO Pat Fitzgerald in a statement.
“The Cowboy will continue to invest in transformational projects that bring visitors from down the street and around the globe into our world-class institution to learn the culture and values of the West .”