Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Buffalo Bill

September 23, 2022

1. Buffalo Bill Marker

Inscription. At age 11, William F. Cody was forced to find work after his father died. During his colorful life (1846--1917) Cody was a messenger, Pony Express rider, Civil War soldier, army scout, guide, and Indian fighter. He earned his nickname, "Buffalo Bill," by providing fresh buffalo meat for railroad building crews.

In 1883 he staged his first Wild West show--part rodeo, part theater, and part circus. For 30 years the show traveled across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Arriving in Sioux Falls on a special railroad train, Cody's huge cast opened the Tri-State Fair at this site on Sept. 21, 1896. "Historical scenes" portrayed Indian attacks on an immigrant wagon train, a lonely settler's cabin, and a Deadwood stagecoach. Spectators cheered each time Cody saved the day by charging in and repulsing the attackers.

Sharpshooter Annie Oakley demonstrated her uncanny expertise, and over 500 riders, including 100 Indian warriors, performed feats of showmanship on horseback.

It was said that "the whole countryside came to see" Buffalo Bill. Over 25,000 thrill-seekers packed the three-hour afternoon and evening shows.

Erected 2000 by the Minnehaha County Historical Society and the City of Sioux Falls.

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Parks & Recreational Areas • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is September 21, 1896.

Location. 43° 31.982′ N, 96° 42.031′ W. Marker is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. It is on East 24th Street 0.1 miles east of South Bruce Road, on the right when traveling east. Located in Riverdale Park on the south side of the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2000 E 24th St, Sioux Falls SD 57105, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East River.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The First "Flying Machine" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Military Road (approx. ¼ mile away); Sioux Falls (approx. ¼ mile away); Cherry Rock Bridge (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mount Pleasant Cemetery (approx. 0.7 miles away); Josephine Martin Glidden Memorial Chapel (approx. ¾ mile away); Fort Dakota Soldiers (approx. ¾ mile away); Mission Church (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sioux Falls.

September 23, 2022

2. Buffalo Bill Marker

Buffalo Bill Marker, from the north image. Click for full size.

September 23, 2022

3. Buffalo Bill Marker, from the north

Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2022. This page has been viewed 672 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 27, 2022.