Pawnee in Pawnee County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Return to the Ranch
| | Pawnee Bill Ranch & Museum | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 10, 2024
1. Return to the Ranch Marker
After the end of Pawnee Bill's show in 1913, the rifle was brought to the ranch. Pawnee Bill placed it on the mansion's front lawn as a unique memento from his show days. Guests and family would often pose with the rifle while visiting the Lillies. Shortly before his death in 1942, Pawnee Bill bequeathed the rifle to his former business manager, Frank A. Stuart. The rifle resided with Stuart in Oklahoma City until his death in 1950. In 1951 the estate of Frank Stuart gave the rifle to the Oklahoma Historical Society.
Erected by Pawnee Bill Ranch & Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1951.
Location. 36° 19.952′ N, 96° 48.996′ 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 beside the Civil War rifle exhibit on the north/front side of the Pawnee Bill Mansion. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1141 Pawnee Bill Road, Pawnee OK 74058, United
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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: Wild West Show (here, next to this marker); Civil War (here, next to this marker); Gordon William (Pawnee Bill) and May Manning Lillie (within shouting distance of this marker); The Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker); The Goldfish Pond (within shouting distance of this marker); The Carriage House (within shouting distance of this marker); Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Observation Tower (about 300 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 . . . Gordon William Billy Lillie Jr. (Find A Grave).
2. Marker detail: The rifle sits on the front lawn of the Pawnee Bill mansion.
During this time, the bison were able to roam to the mansion porch, hence the tall grass growing in front of the structure.
(Highland Cemetery, Pawnee, Pawnee County, Oklahoma, USA, Plot:Lillie Family Mausoleum) Excerpt: In 1917, May and Gordon adopted a son whom they named Billy. He was known as "Pawnee Bill, Jr." per inscription in the family mausoleum. Billy Lillie was born on December 17, 1916 in Kansas City, Missouri at the Willows Maternity Home. A month later, on January 17, 1917, Pawnee Bill and May adopted him and brought him home to Pawnee. He died in an accident at the ranch on March 31, 1925, when he accidentally hanged himself on the radio tower while playing cowboys with his friend.(Submitted on February 14, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Marker detail: Pawnee Bill holds his young son, Billy, on the rifle.
Part of Billy's baby book, May Lillie inscribed on the bottom of the photo, Da-Da & Baby Bill.
4. Marker detail: May Lillie, Pawnee Bill and Nellie Ruffner pose on the rifle; camera faces northwest.
Harkening back to their Wild West Show days, Pawnee Bill and May both wear costumes from their famous acts.
5. Marker detail: Pawnee Bill, Jr.
Billy Lillie, often called Pawnee Bill Jr. by friends and family, was a common sight on the ranch rifle. Military titles, real and self-given, were common among Wild West Show performers. Pawnee Bill was known as the Major and Billy was called the Lieutenant.
6. Marker detail: Pawnee Bill, May Lillie, and Nellie Ruffner pose on the rifle.
The mansion front porch arches can be seen in the background.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 10, 2024
7. Return to the Ranch Marker
Looking north; the marker is mounted in front of the Civil War era rifle. The Pawnee Bill Mansion is visible in the background.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 10, 2024
8. Return to the Ranch Marker
The marker, Civil War era rifle, and flagpole are located in front of the Pawnee Bill Mansion.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 165 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on February 14, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
