Cowboys were mounted herders hired by cattle owners in the United States to look after their stock. Cowboys keep the cattle together, guide them to pasture, prevent their being mixed with other droves, protect them from rustlers, brand them, and drive them to the shipping point.

The cowboy chooses his attire and equipment to suit his particular tasks and environment. The ten-gallon or broad-brimmed hat shields his head from sun and rain, a kerchief pulled over the lower part of his face protects it from dust, tight pants faced with leather chaps protect his legs from insects and brush, an boots with high heels prevent his feet from slipping out of the stirrups. His saddle has a high horn and cantle for maximum comfort on horseback. Traditionally he carries a revolver and a lariat, or lasso, made fast to the saddle horn for roping cattle.

The cowboy figured most significantly in American history during the period extending roughly from the end of the American Civil War through the 1890's when transportation facilities were scanty in the western and southwestern U.S. Cattle had to be driven to shipping points over long distances and the cowboy needed great strength, endurance, and often ingenuity to complete the treks. Because of the lack of adequate law enforcement, his duties extended to providing security for his ranch and its stock.

The cowboy's arduous way of life tended to develop rough-and-ready virtues, as well as extraordinary skills in horsemanship and marksmanship. These qualities have acquired an almost legendary character in numerous tales and songs making the cowboy a symbol of manliness both in the U.S. and abroad. The unending stream of Western fiction based on the life of the cowboy includes The Virginian, by the American writer Owen Wister, and the many novels by Zane Grey.

The term "cowboys" was also applied during the American Revolution to bands of marauders organized by and loyal to the British cause. These cowboys stole cattle and sometimes other property, mainly in what is now Westchester County, New York. Similar but unorganized bands called Skinners operated during the same period in New Jersey.

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Last Modified 5-4-99