May 14, 20182 min read

A Stop by the Rex Allen AZ Cowboy Museum

December 26, 2013 - Willcox, AZ

The Rex Allen Museum is located in one of Willcox's oldest commercial buildings.

Constructed in the early 1890s of adobe, it was purchased in 1897 by Josef Schwertner and operated as the Schley Saloon from 1897 to 1919. This building is one of the few intact adobe commercial buildings in the Railroad Avenue historic district. The museum facade has been restored to resemble the original storefront.

The Willcox-Rex Allen Theater next door was constructed in 1935, of art deco design. It was the location of early Rex Allen Days stage shows, and was the location of Rex Allen Jr.'s singing debut. Roy Rogers also performed at the theater, early in his career. The building has been restored as a commercial theater. Both the theater and the museum are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Rex Allen, 1920-1999

Rex passed away on December.17, 1999. At his request, his ashes were scattered in Railroad Avenue Park around the bronze statue of Rex and the grave of his beloved horse, KoKo. He left four children and ten grandchildren whom he adored.

NOTE: The Rex Allen Arizona Cowboy Museum is operated solely through museum memberships, donations, special fund-raising events, museum admissions, and gift shop sales. Visitors are invited to become members of the Rex Allen Museum. Ask the museum volunteer for a membership form. Memberships, tapes, CDs, DVDs, and gift shop items can be ordered by phone or internet.

Please enjoy the photo slideshow below, but please consider visiting and supporting this great museum and the history that it preserves!