Buffalo Bill

Date of Birth: February 26, 1846

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: January 10, 1917

Biography

William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody was born on February 26, 1846, in Le Claire, Iowa Territory. He became one of the most famous figures of the American Old West and is best known for his Wild West shows. Buffalo Bill started his career as a rider for the Pony Express at the age of 14, and he later served as a scout for the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars. His exploits as a buffalo hunter earned him the nickname “Buffalo Bill.” In 1883, he founded “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West,” a traveling show that featured reenactments of frontier life, including staged Indian attacks, buffalo hunts, and sharpshooting exhibitions. The show toured the United States and Europe, making Buffalo Bill an international celebrity. Buffalo Bill’s Wild West shows played a significant role in shaping the world’s perception of the American West. He featured notable figures such as Annie Oakley and Sitting Bull, and his performances contributed to the romanticizing of the American frontier. Buffalo Bill passed away on January 10, 1917, in Denver, Colorado, and was buried on Lookout Mountain.

5 Interesting Facts about Buffalo Bill

1. Buffalo Bill received the Medal of Honor in 1872 for his service as a scout for the U.S. Army.

2. He was instrumental in the preservation of the buffalo and the establishment of Yellowstone National Park.

3. Buffalo Bill was a Freemason and a member of the Knights Templar.

4. His Wild West show performed for Queen Victoria and other European royalty during its tours.

5. Buffalo Bill authored an autobiography and numerous dime novels that further embellished his legend.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Buffalo Bill

1. “Every Indian outbreak that I have ever known has resulted from broken promises and broken treaties by the government.”

2. “My restless, roaming spirit would not allow me to remain at home very long.”

3. “The first trip west I ever made was in 1855.”

4. “If the Lord should say to me, ‘Come up higher,’ I think I could leave with the crowning joy of my life.”

5. “The public has always had a fascination with the Wild West, and I have enjoyed bringing it to life for them.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Buffalo Bill achieved a net worth of approximately $1 million at the peak of his career, equivalent to about $25 million today.

Children

Buffalo Bill had four children with his wife, Louisa Frederici: two daughters, Arta Lucille Cody and Orra Maude Cody, and two sons, Kit Carson Cody and Irma Louise Cody. Unfortunately, none of his sons survived to adulthood.