Pawnee in Pawnee County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show
| | Pawnee Bill Ranch & Museum | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 10, 2024
1. Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show Marker
In 1988, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show, the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation and the town of Pawnee partnered to recreate the show, honoring the original show and providing an educational experience for modern audiences. Local citizens were recruited as cast members, each bringing unique abilities to the reenactment. The show is still performed every June with help from the Oklahoma historical Society, the Friends of the Pawnee Bill Ranch Association, and the city of Pawnee.
Erected by Pawnee Bill Ranch & Museum. (Marker Number 13.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1988.
Location. 36° 19.837′ N, 96° 48.879′ W. Marker is in Pawnee, Oklahoma, in Pawnee County. It can be reached from Pawnee Bill Road just east of Harrison Street (U.S. 64), on the right when traveling east. The marker is located on the Pawnee Bill Ranch grounds, about 0.2 miles south of Pawnee Bill Road, overlooking the Wild West Show Arena to the east. Touch for map.
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Regionally, this marker is in Greater Tulsa. It is also in the American South, specifically on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Old Entrance Gate (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Local and Regional Sites (about 500 feet away); The Windmill (about 500 feet away); The Barn (about 500 feet away); Earth Lodge (about 600 feet away); The Log Cabin (about 600 feet away); The Observation Tower (about 600 feet away); The Blacksmith Shop (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pawnee.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Pawnee Bill Ranch & Museum
Also see . . . Pawnee Bills Original Wild West Show (Oklahoma Historical Society).
2. Marker detail: Stagecoach Robbery Act
The stagecoach robbery act was one of the most popular acts in Pawnee Bills Wild West Show. Here, cast members recreate the same act in 2006.
Excerpt: The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum celebrates Major Gordon W. Pawnee Bill Lillie, his wife May Lillie, and their famous Wild West Shows each June. Pawnee Bills Original Wild West Show is held at the original historic ranch site. Stagecoaches roll amid thundering horse hooves while the lightning of gunfire explodes around Pawnee Bill, May, and their cohorts as the talented performers thrill and amaze audiences. This celebration features exhibitions of acts from the original Pawnee Bills Historic Wild West Show.(Submitted on February 14, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Marker detail: Roman Riding Act
Windy Ratchford Lattin performs her roman riding act during a Wild West Show. Roman riding featured a rider standing astride on two or more horses, performing various stunts. Lattin's act includes splitting the horses over flaming props.
4. Marker detail: Burning Wagon
Burning of the wagon is a popular part of the show during the stagecoach robbery.
5. Marker detail: Drill Team
A cowgirl performs during the drill team event. The drill team is made up of men and women from the local community performing various acts during the show, from races to horse drills.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 10, 2024
6. Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show Marker
Looking east; the Pawnee Bill Ranch Wild West Show Arena is in the left background.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 127 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 14, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
