This 10-foot Longhorn Sculpture Is Odessa’s Proud Symbol

Driving through Odessa, Texas, you can see things that make you think, "That's something you don't see every day."  For example, a large functioning oil jack partially blocking the road, Jackrabbit statues spread throughout the city, or possibly the large 13-foot high sculpture of a cowboy on a cattle drive at UTPB.

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A Landmark That Demands Attention

Sitting on the corner of East 4th Street and N Grant Street in downtown Odessa is an unusual landmark that is hard to miss.  A 10-foot rustic metal sculpture of a longhorn is one of downtown's most recognized and beloved treasures to the people of Odessa.

The sculpture pays homage to the early days of Odessa, which was known as a cattle town well before oil jacks ever filled the horizon.  Midland-Odessa was known as a halfway point between Dallas and El Paso, so the region not only served as a rest stop for travelers, but also as a fueling point for trains and a major cattle shipping port.

Origin of the Sculpture

The sculpture was donated to the city of Odessa in 2010 by S.F. "Sonny" Henderson, also in collaboration with the Heritage of Odessa Foundation.  The commemorative plaque states, "In memory of cattlemen who led the way".  Thanks to Mr. Henderson's and Joe Barrington’s artistry, it stands the test of time and remains a symbol of not only the resiliency of the longhorn but also the pride of Odessa, Texas.  A city where oftentimes grit and beauty can go hand-in-hand.