North Platte in Lincoln County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
"Wild West Cowboy"
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 27, 2024
1. "Wild West Cowboy" Marker
Several hundred spectators and over a thousand cowboys attended the "Cowboy Fun" portion of "The Old Glory Blowout" on July 4,1882 at North Platte, Nebraska. It involved bucking broncs, steer riding and roping and riding a bull buffalo (riding him was the ultimate event). Cash prizes were awarded to winners of each event. This Demonstration of "Cowboy Fun" was so well received that William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody made the performance a regular act known as "Cowboy Fun" in the Wild West Exhibition. Cody glamorized the "Range" or "Working Cowboy" with colorful advertising posters announcing future performances. Each cowboy's effort had a background of blaring band music and the roar of enthusiastic and pleased spectators. Cowboys appeared with the Wild West Exhibition before millions of spectators in 1182 cities (many of these cities several times) throughout the 48 states, Canada and parts of Europe. Some 30 years of these tours prepared audiences for the rodeos that were to follow. Today we know these professionally performing cowboys as "Rodeo Cowboys". They have formed the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association, better
this page online
Erected 2002 by Citizens of North Platte, Nebraska.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1882.
Location. 41° 8.983′ N, 100° 45.559′ W. Marker is in North Platte, Nebraska, in Lincoln County. It is at the intersection of North Jeffers Street (U.S. 83) and North 16th Street, on the right when traveling north on North Jeffers Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1520 N Jeffers St, North Platte NE 69101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Nebraska and in the Platte River Valley. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, on the Great Plains, and specifically on the High Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 27, 2024
2. "Wild West Cowboy" Marker and Buffalo Bill Cody statue
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Buffalo Bill's Wild West "Old Glory Blow Out" (within shouting distance of this marker); North Platte's Cody Park (within shouting distance of this marker); King of the Cowboys (within shouting distance of this marker); Federal Building (approx. 0.9 miles away); Mutual Building & Loan (approx. 0.9 miles away); 355th Infantry / 89th Division Monument (approx. 0.9 miles away); 100th Meridian (approx. one mile away); Lincoln County Courthouse (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in North Platte.
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 27, 2024
3. Buffalo Bill Cody Statue
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 27, 2024
4. Dedication plate of Buffalo Bill statue
This Life Size Bronze Statue of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody was presented to North Platte Nebraska and all Americans
Sculptured by the British Artist W. Bryan Mickleburgh June 20th 1998
Sculptured by the British Artist W. Bryan Mickleburgh June 20th 1998
Credits. This page was last revised on July 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 186 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 25, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
