William F. Cody
Biography
William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody (1846–1917) was an American frontiersman, bison hunter, army scout, and showman who became one of the most famous figures of the American West. Born in Le Claire, Iowa, Cody earned his nickname as a buffalo hunter supplying railroad workers with meat. He served as an army scout during the Indian Wars and was awarded the Medal of Honor. In 1883, Cody founded Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, which toured for thirty years, shaping the world’s image of the American frontier. His autobiography, The Life of Buffalo Bill (1879), blends genuine frontier experience with the self-mythologizing that made him a legend.
Common themes in William F. Cody's work
American West
A recurring theme throughout William F. Cody's writing.
Frontier life
A recurring theme throughout William F. Cody's writing.
Buffalo hunting
A recurring theme throughout William F. Cody's writing.
Wild West show
A recurring theme throughout William F. Cody's writing.
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Why William F. Cody is still read today
Buffalo Bill Cody was instrumental in creating the mythology of the American West. His autobiography offers a firsthand (if embellished) account of frontier life during a pivotal era of American history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Buffalo Bill Cody?
William F. Cody was an American frontiersman and showman who helped create the mythology of the Wild West. Read his autobiography free on TextStack.
Is The Life of Buffalo Bill historically accurate?
It mixes genuine frontier experience with embellishment and self-promotion. It is best read as a primary source of how the West was mythologized.
What was Buffalo Bill’s Wild West?
A hugely popular touring show (1883–1913) featuring horseback riding, sharpshooting, and staged frontier scenes that shaped the world’s image of the American West.
Where can I read Cody’s autobiography online?
TextStack offers The Life of Buffalo Bill free to read online.
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