Cody Horton

William Frederick Cody, widely recognized as Buffalo Bill, was born in 1846 and became a prominent figure of the American West. His career began at a young age, working for the Pony Express and serving in the Union Army during the Civil War. He later served as a civilian scout for the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars, an experience for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1872, though it was later rescinded and then reinstated. Cody's performing career started around age 23, showcasing cowboy life and frontier events. In 1883, he established Buffalo Bill's Wild West, a touring show that achieved international fame, performing across the United States and Europe. Despite his fame, some of his claimed early jobs and experiences have been subject to historical debate, with suggestions that some were embellished for publicity. His life concluded in 1917.

Born in Iowa in 1846, William Cody's family relocated to Kansas Territory after a period living in Ontario, Canada. His father's anti-slavery stance led to a violent attack, leaving him with lasting injuries that contributed to his death in 1857. Following his father's passing, Cody began working at age 11 to support his family, initially as a messenger for a freight company. He later joined an expedition as a scout guiding the U.S. Army. His early experiences included working for the Pony Express and serving in the Civil War as a teamster. Cody also claimed extensive scouting duties and participation in events like the Utah War, which he described as the beginning of his career as an "Indian fighter."

After serving in the Civil War, Cody worked as an Army scout, participating in various campaigns on the Plains. He gained recognition for a remarkable dispatch ride covering 350 miles in 58 hours through hostile territory, earning him the position of Chief of Scouts. In 1872, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his gallantry as an Army scout, an honor that was later rescinded in 1917, shortly before his death, due to regulations regarding civilian scouts. This medal was eventually reinstated in 1989. By the age of 23, Cody had begun performing in shows that depicted cowboy life and frontier conflicts. In 1883, he founded Buffalo Bill's Wild West, a highly successful touring exhibition that brought the spectacle of the American West to audiences across the United States and Europe.