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Who Was Buffalo Bill Cody?
Buffalo Bill Cody, born near LeClaire in Scott County, Iowa, on February 26, 1846, was a legendary figure in American history. He became renowned for his roles as a Pony Express rider, a Civil War soldier, a buffalo hunter, and a celebrated showman. Cody’s exploits, which included serving as a scout for the U.S. Army and later founding Buffalo Bill’s Wild West—a touring spectacle that captivated audiences in both the United States and Europe—solidified his status as an icon of the Old West.
Early Life
William Frederick Cody was born to Isaac and Mary Ann Cody in 1846, growing up in a period of rapid change in the American frontier. As a young man, Cody worked various jobs, including serving as a messenger and wrangler for a freight company. During the Pikes Peak gold rush of 1859, he tried his luck as a prospector. However, it was in 1860, at the age of 14, when Cody joined the Pony Express. He was chosen for his youthful appearance and skills as an expert rider, qualities that made him a perfect fit for the grueling and dangerous role of delivering mail across the western frontier.
Buffalo Bill: The Hero
Cody’s heroism extended beyond his time with the Pony Express. He served in the American Civil War and later became a buffalo hunter in 1867 to provide meat for railroad workers. This period marked the beginning of his legendary moniker, “Buffalo Bill.” Cody’s own account states that he killed over 4,000 buffalo during this time, which further cemented his larger-than-life persona.
In 1868, Cody resumed work as a scout for the U.S. Army, a role that earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1872. Though the award was later rescinded and then reinstated, it reflected the deep respect he commanded as both a soldier and a symbol of frontier bravery. Meanwhile, Cody’s fame spread further, fueled by the dime novels that immortalized him as “Buffalo Bill.”
Beyond a Showman
In 1872, Cody made his stage debut in The Scouts of the Prairie, a production written by Ned Buntline, one of the authors who contributed to the Buffalo Bill mythos. Cody’s show business career took off in 1883 when he founded Buffalo Bill’s Wild West, an extravaganza that brought to life the tales of the American frontier. Featuring sharpshooters like Annie Oakley and even appearances by historical figures like Chief Sitting Bull, the show toured across the United States and Europe, captivating audiences for over three decades.
Legacy
Cody’s influence extended beyond his fame as a Wild West showman. He was a lifelong advocate for women’s rights and a dedicated soldier. While his exploits were often exaggerated or romanticized in the media, both real and imagined aspects of his persona contributed to his lasting legacy. Buffalo Bill Cody passed away on January 10, 1917, in Denver, Colorado, leaving behind a mythic figure who embodies the spirit of the American frontier in the collective imagination of the world.