The American cowboy is a cultural icon known for their role in cattle herding and ranching in the western United States during the late 19th century. Cowboys typically wore wide-brimmed hats, boots, and spurs, and they often worked on horseback, managing livestock on vast open ranges. Their lifestyle was characterized by long hours, physical labor, and a strong sense of independence. Cowboys are often associated with the Wild West, a period marked by exploration and settlement. They played a significant role in the development of the American frontier, contributing to the mythology of the American West through stories, films, and music. Today, the cowboy remains a symbol of rugged individualism and adventure.