10 Interesting Facts About Buffalo Bill Cody
Posted by Jim Olson on Nov 4th 2023
William Frederick Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, was born on February 26, 1846, in LeClaire, Iowa, to Isaac and Mary Cody. His father, an abolitionist and farmer, and his mother, a homemaker, provided the backdrop for Cody's upbringing. With seven siblings, Cody lived a vibrant life until his passing on January 10, 1917, just a few days short of his 72nd birthday. Here are 10 captivating facts about the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody.
- Early Life: At the age of 11, following his father's death, Cody began working for a freight carrier as an “errand boy." His responsibilities included riding along the wagon train, delivering messages between drivers and workmen. By 15, he became a rider for the Pony Express.
- Nickname: While initially named William Frederick Cody, he earned the moniker "Buffalo Bill" during his stint as a buffalo hunter for the Kansas Pacific Railroad, supplying meat to railroad workers.
- Military Service: Cody served in the Union Army's Company H, 7th Kansas Cavalry during the American Civil War from 1863 to 1865. Post-war, he served as a civilian scout during the Indian Wars.
- Medal of Honor: In 1872, Cody was honored with the Medal of Honor for gallantry as an Army scout, a rare distinction for a civilian. However, in 1917, the award was revoked as part of Congress's decision to reevaluate prior Medal of Honor awards and make it a military distinction.
- Becoming a Legend: In 1869, Cody's encounters with Ned Buntline resulted in a highly embellished story published in the New York Weekly. Buntline's subsequent novel, "Buffalo Bill, King of the Bordermen," played a huge role in Cody's rise to becoming a legend in his own time.
- Wild West Show: Buffalo Bill's Wild West shows, incorporating sharpshooting, rodeo events, and theatrical performances based upon his exploits on the Frontier, toured the United States and Europe. These shows, starring Cody himself, laid the foundation for future forms of popular entertainment.
- Collaboration with Sitting Bull: Cody formed a friendship and professional bond with the renowned Lakota Sioux chief, Sitting Bull, who, along with other Native Americans, participated in Cody's Wild West shows, providing an authentic touch to the events.
- Cody, Wyoming: In 1896, Buffalo Bill founded Cody, Wyoming, envisioning it as an ideal settlement for settlers and tourists, reflecting his idlic vision of the American West. The town served as the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park.
- Famous Connections: Beyond Sitting Bull and Ned Buntline, Cody cultivated relationships with iconic figures of his era, including Annie Oakley, Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Pawnee Bill, and even Queen Victoria of England.
- Financial Ruin: Buffalo Bill's Wild West faced financial challenges, leading to its closure in 1913. By the time of his death in 1917, Cody's once-substantial fortune had significantly dwindled, marking the end of an era.
Buffalo Bill's enduring legacy lives on through the history of the Wild West show, the town of Cody, Wyoming, and various books, films, and works inspired by his remarkable life. His name remains synonymous with the American frontier, solidifying his place as an iconic figure in American history.
Jim Olson © 2023