What would Wyoming be without a visit to Cody, a town that I have been most looking forward to seeing? The West. Cody is steeped in western history and made famous by a man that was once the most recognized man in the world. The world! William Frederick Cody, better known to most as Buffalo Bill was a true pioneer of the west who in his lifetime wore many hats; he worked wagon trains, was a solider, part time lawman, a celebrated pony express rider, military scout, buffalo hunter, showman and a famous entrepreneur.
He created the town that bares his name with five things; water, a newspaper, lodging, transportation and visitor traffic. He also created the Cody Canal which later became the Buffalo Bill Dam.(Pictures). In 1902 he build the Irma Hotel and restaurant that he named after his daughter. It is still in the same location and today serves an amazing buffet. The condition of the hotel is startling, considering it’s 108 years of service. Buffalo Bill also built two roads leading into Yellowstone Park and a hotel with $50,000 of his own money. He is credited with starting the modern day rodeo, based on his most popular Rough Rider Rodeo and show that traveled Europe and the United States. He definitely was man of vision, guts, tenacity and the American spirit.
I enjoyed Cody for two days and enjoyed the Buffalo Bill Historic Center which provide 5 museums; Firearms museum with over 12,00 guns and rifles, Plains Indian Peoples, Buffalo Bill & The American West, The Nature of Yellowstone, Western Art with many original Remington paintings and bronzes. Enjoy some photos. TC…
Leaving the Tetons.
On the way.
Missed Rodeo season.
Original tent camping.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK, NORTH DAKOTA AND WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK IN SOUTH DAKOTA AND DAY TRIPS TO MOUNT RUSHMOREM AND CRAZY HORSE NATIONAL MONUMENTS IN SOUTH DAKOTA TO FOLLOW.
