Scott County, Iowa Puts The WEST In Midwest: Explore Buffalo Bill Cody’s Roots
Howdy, partner! Saddle up for fun as you explore Buffalo Bill Cody’s roots in Scott County, Iowa – where they put the WEST in Midwest! 🤠 #BuffaloBillCody #IowaHistory #FamilyFun
LeClaire, Iowa – Howdy, partner! Are you ready for an adventure back in time? Well, grab your cowboy hat and boots, because we’re heading to Scott County, Iowa to discover the fascinating life of Buffalo Bill Cody!
You’ll be amazed at all the incredible historic sites waiting for you. Get ready to see antiques and relics that’ll transport you straight to the 1800s. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon with the whole family! We’ll share all the incredible Iowa hotspots and attractions relating to Buffalo Bill, but first… a bit of a history lesson!
Buffalo Bill Cody: A Life Like No Other
So who was this Buffalo Bill Cody fella, anyway? Born in Scott County, Iowa in 1846, William Frederick Cody had a hankerin’ for adventure from a young age. He loved riding horses and swimming in the mighty Mississippi way more than he loved learning his ABCs!
As a teen, Cody worked as a Pony Express rider to support his family after his father died. He went on to serve as an Army scout during the Civil War and protect railroad workers out West. That’s where he earned his famous nickname in a buffalo-hunting contest.
But Cody didn’t just live the Western life – he brought it to the masses with his legendary Wild West show. For over 20 years, he toured the U.S. and Europe with “real cowboys and Indians” (those were the terms used in the olden days), sharpshooters like Annie Oakley and other frontier figures. Millions got a taste of the Old West, and Cody became an international superstar.
Although Cody passed away in 1917, his larger-than-life legacy lives on – especially in Iowas, where his remarkable story began. So come on down and see it all for yourself! Trust us, you’ll be happier than a pig in mud. Where should you go? Here’s our suggestions…
Walk in the Footsteps of a Legend
First stop: The Buffalo Bill Cody Homestead. Built by Bill’s father Isaac back in 1847, this limestone house is a real gem. With its walnut floors and period decor, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine. And get this – buffalo, burros and longhorn cattle still roam the land, just like in Cody’s day!
The Buffalo Bill Cody Homestead (28050 230th Ave #9713, Princeton, IA 52768) is open daily from April to October, and admission is just $2 for adults (kids 16 and under are free!). You can visit their website here. It’s a small price to pay to walk in the footsteps of an American icon.
A Taste of Pioneer Life
Next up, mosey on over to the Walnut Grove Pioneer Village. This charming spot features 14 historic buildings that’ll give you a real taste of life in a 1900s Scott County settlement. Find it on GPS at: 18817 290th St, Long Grove, IA 52756.
Don’t miss the Ehlers Blacksmith Shop, still standing on its original site with all its tools and bellows intact. And be sure to peek inside the Butler Township Schoolhouse, complete with slate blackboards and vintage geography maps. It’s like taking a field trip back in time!
The village is open daily from April through October, and admission is a bargain at $2 for adults and $1 for kids (littles under 5 are free).
The Birth of a Legend
Want to see where it all began? Head to the site of Buffalo Bill Cody’s Birthplace, just outside of LeClaire. Find it at: 21006 270th Ave, Le Claire, IA 52753. While the original cabin is gone, a plaque marks the spot where young William Frederick Cody entered the world on February 26, 1846.
Take a moment to imagine what life was like for the Cody family back then. Little did they know their son would grow up to become a Wild West legend!
Treasures of the Old West
For even more Buffalo Bill history, check out the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum in downtown LeClaire. Perched on the banks of the Mississippi River, this treasure trove holds artifacts from Cody’s era, including an authentic painting of Buffalo Bill and his trusty steed.
You can even see the deed from when Isaac Cody sold the family’s Scott County land. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the Cody family’s past! Find the museum at: 199 N. Front St., LeClaire, IA 52753. Visit them online here.
Remembering a Cody Brother
Finally, pay your respects at the Long Grove Church Graveyard (202 S 1st St, Long Grove, IA 52756), where Buffalo Bill’s older brother Samuel rests. Samuel tragically died after being thrown from a horse while the family lived in Scott County. It’s a poignant reminder of the hardships faced by pioneer families.
Conclusion
So, if you’re looking for a rootin’-tootin’ good time, head on down to Scott County, Iowa and discover the amazing world of Buffalo Bill Cody. From his humble beginnings in a tiny cabin to his days as a global superstar, Cody’s story is the stuff of legends. And with so many incredible historic sites to explore, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into the pages of a Wild West adventure… right here in the MidWEST! Hehe.
So saddle up, partner, and get ready for a journey back in time that you’ll never forget! Who knows – you might even discover your own inner cowboy along the way. Yee-haw! Happy trails.
🗣 Are you a fan of the wild west? Or, are you just looking for a good excuse to wear a cowboy hat? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
