Benny Brown Arena

Benjamin Baker Brown, Jr., a lifelong fourth-generation rancher from Ione with summer ranges in the mountains near Kirkwood, first appeared in this arena in 1951 at age 13 in a cattle penning event, partnered with his mother, and won. For nearly fifty years afterward, as Amador County’s hometown rodeo cowboy, Benny made numerous winning appearances across the West in professional rodeo events and later became a distinguished competitor on the senior pro rodeo circuit in steer wrestling. Known as a man’s man who always took time to help younger people getting started in ranching or rodeo, he left a friendly, winning spirit in rodeo, ranching, and life that remained an inspiration to all who knew him.

Plymouth, California · United States