Museums & History

Cody Museums and Historic Sites

• Buffalo Bill Historical Center
• Cody Firearms Museum
• Area Ghost Towns
• Medicine Wheel
• Old Trail Town
• Miniature Village

Cody History

• 1870s
  Colonel William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) first came to the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming with a distinguished geologist to make a study of the natural resources in the area.
• 1890s
  Because of the many possibilities for development of this wonderful land, Colonel Cody comes back to the region after a long absence.
• 1895
  The Cody establishes the TE Ranch as an effort to irrigate over 100,000 acres of land near what is now Cody. The ranch house was the headquarters of the Shoshone Land and Irrigation Company.
• 1896
  Cody, Wyoming was established by “Buffalo Bill Cody,” along with his group of investors.
• 1899
  Colonel Cody created the newspaper, The Cody Enterprise, and was spending money for irrigation and other various projects in Wyoming.
• 1902
  Cody, Wyoming was incorporated, and the Irma Hotel (named after Colonel Cody’s youngest daughter) was opened.
• 1922
  The Cody Stampede and Rodeo was established.
• 1924
  This year on July 4th saw the dedication of the Buffalo Bill Memorial Association, which included the Gertrude Whitney sculpture of “The Scout,” Colonel Cody.
• 1927
  The Buffalo Bill Museum opens on July 4th.
• 1959
  The Whitney Gallery of Western Art is dedicated.
• Today
  Cody, Wyoming is a popular tourist destination, and known as the Rodeo Capital of the World. Every year the Buffalo Bill Cody Stampede is held with contests and games and much spectacle in this wonderful town of the Old West.
  

• Cody, Wyoming is popular for its history of the Old West and outdoor recreational activities
• Colonel William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) founded the town and aided in its development
• Cody, Wyoming was incorporated in 1902
• The Buffalo Bill Cody Stampede is held each year celebrating the Old West