Explore the storied wild west history of the town founded by the legendary Buffalo Bill
About This Tour
Cody, Wyoming was founded in 1896 by the living legend, Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, who at the age of 41 was one of the most famous men in the world.
Walk through downtown Cody and travel back to the frontier days, exploring sites such as:
- Carnegie library founded by literary frontierswomen with help from Andrew Carnegie - Irma Hotel, Buffalo Bill’s “Hotel in the Rockies,” named after his daughter - Chamberlin Inn, where celebrity guests like Ernest Hemingway stayed
This tour was created in partnership with the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the Park County Travel Council. It was made possible by the generosity of the Nielson Family. Narrated by retired local radio broadcaster Mack Frost.
Sample Stories
For more content, click the "Explore this Tour Remotely" button below.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
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For centuries, people have been drawn to the American West. They came as explorers and pioneers, cowboys and ranchers, Native Americans and settlers -- people with vision, courage, and strong values and beliefs. Driven by the spirit of the land, they imagined what could be and, in the process, they forged the American West.
William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody was one of those people -- explorer and frontiersman, soldier and scout, actor and showman, entrepreneur and civic leader -- as captivated by the West as are today's visitors. Indeed, from his days living and working on the frontier to the 30 years of his Wild West show, the name of Buffalo Bill was synonymous with the West. He became both an iconic image of the American West and a tireless ambassador for it to the country and to much of the world.
From his TE Ranch southwest of Cody to the Irma Hotel downtown, Cody, Wyoming, held a special place in the heart of Buffalo Bill. He was a town builder and entrepreneur, but always a devoted fan of the West.
William F. Cody was also a consummate storyteller and enthusiastic student of history. A little more than a century ago, as his Wild West played in arenas around the world, he contemplated his legacy. He dreamed of a new arena that would "teach people by seeing history." And just as he brought the West to the world, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West has adopted the very same mission for the past 100 years. The Center is convinced that there really is no better place to meet the legendary showman and the West he loved than in its five museums:
*The Buffalo Bill Museum tells the story of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody and the West he loved.
*The Cody Firearms Museum boasts a comprehensive collection of American and foreign firearms.
*The Draper Natural History Museum connects humans and nature in the Greater Yellowstone region.
*The Plains Indian Museum shares traditions, stories, and culture of the Northern Plains Indians.
*The Whitney Western Art Museum displays priceless masterworks of the American West.
From his life experiences to his Wild West show, he carried the West to a worldwide audience. Following his death in 1917, his family and friends united in the Buffalo Bill Memorial Association to preserve his memory and the West he loved, and for a hundred years, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West has nurtured Cody's dream here in the town that bears his name.
Long live the Wild West!
Dave Jones Sign
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As you approach the historic building that is home to the Custom Cowboy Shop, notice the placard on the corner of the building indicating it has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1912, it was a bank for many years.
At the corner of 13th and Sheridan, turn south and walk past the Edward Jones building. Turn right down the alley. At the edge of the building look in front of you and slightly to the right. There, you will see an old, orange, Dave Jones sign still visibly painted on the wall.
In 1905 Dave Jones started his long career as a local progressive merchant who sold men's clothing such as suits and hats. His record of 38 years in business made him one of the oldest merchants in the Big Horn Basin and his reputation for fair dealing and fine merchandise was known throughout the West. All the men of Cody shopped at his store and his slogan "Buy it of Dave Jones" became famous. His signs were painted on cliffs and rocks along roads all over the country.
