Omaha’s Durham Museum features Buffalo Bill exhibit
William “Buffalo Bill” Cody planned to retire to North Platte, Nebraska, following a long career as a soldier, scout, Pony Express rider and part-time actor. He bought a ranch in North Platte in 1878.
Five years later, he was the star of his first “Wild West” show in Omaha. The show featured a circus-like atmosphere featuring western life. The show featured horse riding, roping and Native American performers.
The show took off, touring the United States. In 1887, Buffalo Bill – an Iowa native – took his troupe to England and Europe for a few years.
“From Nebraska to the World: Buffalo Bill’s Wild West” is currently a featured exhibit at Omaha’s Durham Museum. The exhibit runs through May 1st. The exhibit features some interesting items, including weapons, clothes and photos.
I’m a fan of the early west, both pioneer, cowboy and Native American history. I love learning about the history of the Midwest. We enjoyed checking out North Platte in 2014 and Buffalo Bill-related attractions there.
A buckskin jacket worn by Buffalo Bill is on display. A buffalo coat given to a friend of his is also displayed.
Buffalo Bill’s saddle is located in the center of one room. The room includes Wild West Show posters and photographs.
Buffalo Bill partnered with James Bailey (of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus) to improve the production. The show took on a different style during their partnership. Later, following Bailey’s death, Buffalo Bill reverted to his preferred show style.
Buffalo Bill’s show featured some outstanding entertainers. Annie Oakley (from Ohio) was a wiz with a rifle. She entertained people with her stunt shooting. The barn at Buffalo Bill’s home in North Platte has wood trimmings in the shape of valentine’s hearts. That was done out of his respect for Oakley.
Lakota (Sioux) Chief Red Cloud toured with the Wild West shows. Red Cloud and Buffalo Bill had a decent relationship. Buffalo Bill had an interesting relationship with Native Americans. He once fought them and believed white people were better than Natives. But, he had a deep respect for Native Americans. And they for him.
Buffalo Bill performed as an entertainer deep into his 60s. His last show performance was in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in 1913. Buffalo Bill passed away in 1917. He is buried at Lookout Mountain, Colorado. We visited his burial site near Golden. He wanted to be buried looking out at one of the most beautiful views in the world in his opinion.
Buffalo Bill was a classic American entertainer. His story is interesting and worth checking out. We recommend visiting the Durham exhibit.
For more information about Buffalo Bill and his Wild West show, please visit www.durhammuseum.org.
Disclaimer: Thank you to The Durham Museum for the complimentary visit. However, all opinions and views are ours.
