Joy S. Kasson (Fellow, 1996–97)

November 9, 2010

Between 1883 and 1916, “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West” — an extravaganza of riding, roping, shooting, Indian attacks, and stage coach robberies — gave audiences throughout the world a vivid image of the American West. In the process William F. Cody, as Buffalo Bill, established himself as one of the most famous Americans of his era. How did he achieve his fame? Why were audiences so captivated by his shows? How did he define the West?

Subjects

Theater / History / American History / Celebrity / American Frontier / Vaudeville / Performance /