Olde Towne in Portsmouth, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
In Commemoration of the Last Public Appearance of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody
At Portsmouth, Virginia on November 11, 1916
The success enjoyed by the Fourth of July celebration known as “The Old Glory Blowout” at North Platte, Nebraska, on July 4, 1882, convinced William F. Cody to organize “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West” and tour the United States and parts of Europe. Buffalo Bill was and is a symbol of a glamorous and colorful era in United States history.
He literally crated and shipped samples of the “Wild West” to centers of population around the world, giving millions of Americans and Europeans the opportunity to view first hand a part of American history that had captured the popular imagination.
Dedicated to William F. Cody, an illustrious American, remembered as the “Father of Rodeo,” “The First International Star,” and “America’s Goodwill Ambassador-at-Large”
Erected 1987 by Backtrailing Buffalo Bill Cody and the Fletcher Family.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
Location. 36° 50.07′ N, 76° 17.805′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is in Olde Towne. Marker is on Water Street south of High Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Portsmouth VA 23704, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Order Fresnel Lens from the Hog Island Light (within shouting distance of this marker); Seaboard Air Line Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); The Elizabeth River (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Luke Porter (about 400 feet away); Home Site of William Crawford (d. 1762) Founder of Portsmouth (about 400 feet away); Naval Shipyard Museum (about 500 feet away); Revolutionary War at Portsmouth (about 500 feet away); Cornwallis' Embarkation (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portsmouth.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2009, by Kristin Rollins of Portsmouth, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,087 times since then and 26 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on July 27, 2009, by Kristin Rollins of Portsmouth, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.