Rex Allen Museum

How did I miss Rex Allen? When I was a kid, Roy Rogers and Gene Autry were my cowboy screen heroes. Allen was their contemporary, but I never heard of him until I arrived in his home town of Willcox, Arizona. After checking in at a local RV park, we drove in for dinner and noticed the Rex Allen Museum.

The museum quickly made it clear that Allen, 1920-1999, deserved top billing. He starred in 19 westerns and had his own TV series ("Frontier Doctor"). His 35-year singing career included the hit, "Streets of Laredo," and he was the voice behind many animated characters. The front part of the museum is devoted to Allen, with various displays and memorabilia. The rear section celebrates everyday Wilcox-area cowboys and has a tiny theater where you can watch a Rex Allen western. While you wander around, Allen's country songs play over the speakers. Visitors can buy Allen videos, CDs, T-shirts and other items.

Across the street, in front of a bronze statue of Allen, his ashes are scattered atop the grave of his horse, Koko. Step aside, Roy and Gene. You've been outdrawn.