The largest and most ambitious exhibition
ever presented by the Royal Armouries, Buffalo Bill's Wild West, was
recently on display at the Autry Museum of Western
Heritage. An unprecedented collection of Show items draw on the holdings
of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, and those of prominent American
and British collectors.
For many around the world, Bufallo
Bill's Wild West show was their only exposure to the American West. 100
years later, this exhibit offered generations barely aware of the name,
a similar glimpse into that era. An original 1867 Deadwood Stagecoach Buffalo
Bill used, Annie Oakley's gold-plated single-shot rifle and a gold
and diamond pendant presented by Queen Victoria were a few of the treasures
on view.
One of the most successful traveling
shows ever during the late 19th and early 20th centuries provided action-packed
entertainment based on actual events. Cody recruited people
from the West to perform in what he envisioned as a fast-passing reality
or living museum.
Mark Twain concurred in 1886 when
he wrote: "The
show is genuine...It is wholly free from sham and insincerity, and the
effects it produced upon me were identical to those wrought upon me a long
time ago by the same spectacles on the frontier."
William Frederick Cody was born
on February 26, 1846, in LeClaire, Iowa. He was one of eight children who
lost a father during their formidable years. Bill was just 7 years old
when his dad died and this meant that even though "mom" insisted they continue
education, most the children would also work to help support the family.
He got the nickname, Buffalo Bill,
at the age of 19 or 20, when he sold buffalo meat to railroad workers hungry
for some good food. Bill had served in the army and would return to earn
the highest Medal of Honor. He was an excellent shot and was able
to hunt and take down a buffalo with ease.
Such skill brought him additional
income and another venture, leading gentlemen's hunts. Patrons included
noblemen and dukes from around the world who heard about the wonder and
wanted to share companionship with a man who chased animals on horseback
and shot them at close range.
After gaining a name and some capital
under his belt, Cody opened the Wild West in St. Louis, Missouri
in May 1884. It lasted for 30 years. Buffalo Bill was the focal point of
the show. He presented topical acts relating to current events, famous
personalities, bronco busting, trick shooting, horseback riding, roping,
shoot-outs and Indian "battles." In a time when the loss of the Old
West was already being mourned, his show captured its essence and spirit.
800 employees, 180 horses, 18 buffalo,
10 elk, 10 mules, 5 Texas steers, donkeys and two bears were part of the
touring group. Annie Oakley, the Cowboy Band and Little Johnny Baker, the
crack shot, were some of the names featured in his shows.
Not ready to quit, William Cody
died on January 10, 1917 at the age of 71, while planning his next event.
As you see the posters and play bills and read about his life, you realize
the magnitude of his stardom. The international super star was bigger than
life to many who knew him and saw his shows. Posters and art, a life
size bust and mementos gathered from the Royal Armouries of Great Britain
were included in the traveling museum exhibit. On sale was a full
color and affordable souvenir book documenting the exhibit contents and
Cody's life titled, Buffalo Bill's Wild West. A "Further Reading"
section includes six additional references, perfect for students.
Published by the Trustees of the Armouries, Great Britain, 1999,
ISBN 0 948092 39 4
