Birth of the Boot

Olathe, Kansas celebrates its 150th anniversary this year with big boots placed strategically throughout the city. One of these is pictured at left.

Why boots? Olathe resident and harness-maker (circa 1872) Charles Hyer of the Hyer Boot Company is credited with being one of the first to craft the cowboy boot.

According to the Kansas State Historical Society, "a Colorado cowboy stopped by the Hyer shop on his way home from the Kansas City stockyards in 1875, requesting a new pair of boots that were different from his Civil War-style boots. He wanted a boot with a pointed toe that would slide more easily into a stirrup, a high, slanted heel that would hold a stirrup, and a high top with scalloped front and back so he could get in and out of his boots more easily. Charles accepted the challenge. The unknown cowboy was so pleased with Hyer's work that he returned to Colorado and told others about his new boots."

Check it out, if you like, at the KSHS's Cool Things pages.