The Will Rogers Medallion Award is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating outstanding literature that reflects the depth, diversity, and enduring spirit of the American West. Established to highlight excellence in storytelling, the program honors authors whose work captures the people, places, history, and evolving culture of the region across both fiction and nonfiction. From frontier history and biography to contemporary Western narratives, the award seeks to elevate voices that preserve and expand the understanding of Western life in all its complexity.

 

Each year, a panel of judges from across the country evaluates submissions based on literary merit, authenticity, and contribution to the Western tradition in writing. The program not only honors established authors but also encourages emerging writers who continue to shape the genre for new generations of readers. Through its awards and outreach, the organization promotes a deeper appreciation for Western literature and its role in American storytelling: Honoring the Written Word of the West.