While
the type of entertainment changes, people’s enjoyment never does. During the late 19th and early 20th
centuries, Wild West shows were a favorite entertainment of Americans. These shows were similar to a combination of today’s
rodeos and circuses, and many people from around the globe took part in them.
The
most famous Wild West showman was William F. Cody. Better known as Buffalo Bill, Cody was born
in Iowa in 1846. He had many occupations throughout
his life including scout for the United States military, buffalo hunter, and
stage performer. In 1883, Buffalo Bill
rode into the limelight with his Wild West show, a show that traveled across
the United States and later to Europe.
Another
show owner was Gordon William Lillie. Born
during 1860 in Illinois, he eventually worked at the Pawnee Agency in Indian
Territory where he received his nickname, Pawnee Bill. During the early 1880s, Pawnee Bill and several
Pawnees joined Buffalo Bill’s show. While
the show was in Philadelphia, Pawnee Bill met his wife, May Manning. Not long after they married, the couple started their
own show. Based upon the show’s success, they were eventually able to build
their dream home near the town of Pawnee, Oklahoma.
Another
show with ties to Oklahoma was that of the 101 Ranch. During the late 19th century, George
W. Miller established the 101 near Ponca City, Oklahoma. As one of the largest ranches in the area, it became an excellent training ground
for Miller’s 101 Ranch Real Wild West Show.
Many Native Americans participated in
Wild West shows. A Hunkpapa Lakota named
Sitting Bull, of Battle of Little Bighorn fame, traveled with Buffalo Bill’s
show. Another notable Native American of
Wild West show fame was Iron Tail of the Oglala Lakota; Iron Tail was also the
model for the Native American on the “buffalo nickel” which was minted by the
U.S. Treasury from 1913-38 and is still in circulation today.
Showmanship was not just a man’s
business, but a woman’s occupation as well.
One of the most famous Wild West show women was Annie Oakley. Oakley was a sharpshooter who shot targets
with skilled accuracy. While this
talented woman often toured with Buffalo Bill’s show, she also traveled with
Pawnee Bill’s show during his opening season.
Another important cowgirl was May Lillie, Pawnee Bill’s wife. She toured many years with her husband’s show
as a sharpshooter and horsewoman. Many cowgirls,
female sharpshooters, and equestrian riders were also participants in the shows.
It was not only Americans who
performed in these shows. Performers
included Arab acrobats and “Russian Cossacks,” who were actually from the
European country of Georgia. These international
performers rode horses and danced in the arena.
Sometimes men from various countries would line up and race around the
arena to prove who the better horseman was.
The
Wild West shows not only brought the Wild West to eastern United States cities
and Europe, but they also took the world to the Wild West through these
exciting performances featuring a variety of performers and performance
styles.
See the book display about Wild West
shows on the first floor of the Al Harris Library. All books on the display are available for
checkout. Grab a book, sit back, and read
about the world of entertainment during the great days of the Wild West shows.
