Buffalo Bill & the History of the Old West | History Traveler Episode 300

When it comes to legends of the old west, few loom larger than Buffalo Bill Cody. We're at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming which houses five of the most impressive museums that you can possibly imagine covering all things connected to the American West. As a matter of fact, there's so much to see that we couldn't even pack it all into one episode. Enjoy!
For more on the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, visit centerofthewes....
To see an EARLY video that we did on Buffalo Bill and his grave, check out this video: • Buffalo Bill, Sitting ...
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburg...
Support the effort to expand history education on PATREON: / historyunderground
Set yourself up with a 10% DISCOUNT on all Origin gear and nutritional products by entering the code "history10" at www.originmaine.com!
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[@jeff2178]

Not that I don't like the Civil War or World War 2 content, but sometimes other historical content is always so fascinating and refreshing. Another Awesome episode

[@lightingbolt8148]

Exactly, 90% is Civil and WW2

[@jimrutherford2773]

Cody was in the Civil War but it was never mentioned.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@MrTDubbz]

Finally made it to Gettysburg and the GMoH. Said “hey” to Erik he was quite gracious! I’m on my own self-designed civil war history tour. Friday and Saturday (last) saw a bunch of stuff in Richmond, then Fredericksburg, Lessburg, Antietam, now 3 days in Gettysburg- did the Beyond Gettysburg museum earlier (amazing!) tomorrow have a guided tour booked (just me, my own tour guide!) Thank you for the inspiration to see these amazing sites. Was a lot “heavier” emotionally than I expected it to be. But very important to witness in person!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! So glad that you enjoyed it and got to chat with Erik for a bit. Heck of a guy.

[@SmokeyTreats]

Lived in his sister's house with a couple of friends, the house he died from pneumonia in, for several months in Denver in the early 70's. A band had previously occupied it for a couple of years & had painted every room a different fluorescent color. Cool house with four porches on it. The bear claw bathtub was huge, 7 or 8 feet long. Couldn't put much water in it to bathe because you couldn't sit up if the water level was very high. Every bedroom was a double room; a large reception/living room area & in the back wall a much smaller room for a bed & a small table. Didn't live there long as it was a rough area, 3 blocks from the infamous 5 points in Denver... Had a historical metal plaque near the front door on the exterior to denote it's fame. Always loved Buffalo Bill since my youth! Thanks much for your vid!

[@dimwitt461]

Congratulations on Episode 300! Quite the milestone! Thank you for taking us on your journeys.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you so much!

[@Chiller11]

Grew up in Colorado and spent a fair bit of time climbing, backpacking and generally enjoying Wyoming. The Yellowstone Teton region of Wyoming/Montana is one of the most fascinating and beautiful parts of the North American continent. Hope you enjoyed your journey through that part of the country.

[@mfreund15448]

There is a reason the area was sacred to many tribes.

[@pamelakern2849]

I am so glad to see this western history!! The Cody museum is magnificent . This video was first class . Thankyou for sharing something different. 😊🐎🙏

[@jetsons101]

What an amazing museum centered around a larger than life American, Buffalo Bill. JD, what an outstanding watch about an amazing city. I still remember my first drive through the Cody Mountain Tunnels. what a view when going west through the last tunnel. Thank for posting this fine piece of American History.

[@judygrandstrand9784]

Wow! 300 episodes-thank you so much!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂🙏🏼

[@karentrimmer]

There must be an opposite condition to PTSD; something that triggers you into the inability to hold in laughter. As I'm watching this video, my son can hear the content and hears me cracking-up laughing. The look on his face makes me think he's contemplating carting me off to the old folks home. So I had to explain: I grew-up in a town where Draper's was the local mortuary. One of the Draper kids was a classmate. To avoid getting the ick-factor response when someone learned of his family's business, he came up with clever remarks to make them laugh. My favorite was "Hello! Draper Mortuary, you stab'em we slab'em!" Just seeing the name "Draper" triggered memories from over 50 years ago and brought laughter to my heart. I'll have to watch the video again. I'll try to pay attention this time, there may be a test later.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

😄

[@thomashudgins996]

What a great video. Maybe you can return some other time and give us another taste of this incredible museum. You and I think alike. History in itself fascinates me beyond the humdrum of the daily grind. You help me escape to another time and simpler ways of life. I look forward to every video. Thanks!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Got some more in the next episode.

[@perryj8850]

That was phenomenal. For some reason I've recently found an interest in the Little Bighorn battle and Custer's Last Stand. A complex story that you'd be great at explaining.

[@WalkwithHistory]

I love it all!!! Growing up in Wyoming was such a childhood dream come true. Cody is one of my favs!! 💪

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Amazing place.

[@ponderingthepast]

As a biology educator, I found your passion for the natural history museum quite enjoyable. Thanks for sharing and congrats on 300!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Appreciate that. I actually started out as a biology teacher. I’m addition to almost being a taxidermist, I was also almost a wildlife biologist.

[@michelehood8837]

My college boyfriend’s parents built a beautiful log cabin in Cody. We vacationed out there for a long weekend from L.A. Such an awesome little town - loved that museum, and the gorgeous natural scenery. I have never seen such a beautiful night sky as I did in Cody. I never really realized the saying “big sky country” until my visit there. Amazing!

[@bradmiller3367]

Congrats on 300 episodes, JD! I plan to be around for the NEXT 300, as well! Your content is one of the few things that makes KZbin worth any time at all!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome, thank you!

[@beckybanta126]

300! So very awesome. I agree with so many that you taking us on trips & sharing history & points of interest is amazing! You remind us of real persons who made/make a difference in their life's journeys. Thank you muchly for all the efforts 😊

[@kirk189]

I love the Center of the West! Awesome episode! 😊 you gotta go back!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

100%

[@Carolbearce]

This tour of this museum is amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It’s amazing!

[@ou8venus2]

I really think you did a wonderful job on this video. Heck, every video you have put out is so informative and has my full attention. I’m always a bit happier in life when I see a new video come out. Thank you! And a big congratulations on Episode 300🎉🎉🎉.

[@kirkkeller2871]

One of the very best museums. Displays, artifacts, presentation, etc. A fav place to visit and yes you really need at least two full days to begin to take it all in. Definitely worth the stop. Thanks for covering this. Outstanding history. And oh yes, in the gift shop one of the best collections of cowboy music.

[@michaelhendricks9229]

One of the best museums I've ever been to. I was just back in June.

[@JoeNicks389]

Took my son to the Cody Center in 1977 when we were going to Yellow Stone. It's really improved since then. Thank you for this as it brings back great memories of my younger days. At almost 80 years old now, don't know if I'll ever be able to return, but you never know for sure.

[@JasonStutz]

Love Old West History

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Me too!

[@JennaCee]

I did not know this was there. But now it's going to be a destination for sure!! Thank you JD!!! You rock.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@tomboustead7588]

Thank you for the change of pace video. Your excitement of what you are covering is displayed in the videos

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoy it!!

[@zekesgirl100]

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of your videos, but, now you are in my part of history, time wise and location wise!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@WFMeyer]

We lived in Germany for 2 years when my Dad worked a DoD contract. The German kids there were huge fans of the U.S. Wild West. They actually thought it was still ongoing complete with saloons, cowboys, gunslingers and warring with bow and arrow Indian tribes.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha!

[@elizabethwidlund3859]

I lived in Billings, Montana for many years and Cody and this museum was my favorite place to visit. It's an amazing place and Cody is a wonderful town. Thanks for taking me back and rekindling happy memories.

[@melanieschultz6996]

What a marvellously fascinating show, JD!! I enjoyed it immensely! There’s so much interesting history about the West; I hope you’ll consider sharing more of it. You never fail to deliver the best! 😊❤️

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jeffe9842]

I've enjoyed your recent videos about Normandy, but it's great that you're mixing things up a little with some variety.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them!

[@duanelawrence78]

Wow J.D. this was a really fun one to watch thanks for sharing this beautiful gem!!✌️🇺🇲

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@vickistevens423]

AWESOME video, JD. I lived in Montana for a couple years and made a few trips to Cody, WY. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West museum is arguably one of the best museums in the country, in my humble opinion. Were you able to visit the Irma Hotel? If not, you HAVE to stay there on your next visit. Buffalo Bill Cody built the hotel and named it after his daughter. It still has the authentic Old West feel. Cody, WY is one of my favorite Old West towns. Hope you thought so as well. Thank you for the Old West content. Keep it coming!

[@mfreund15448]

Cody is a wonderful place!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Amazing place. Didn’t get to the Irma Hotel. Gives me a good excuse to come back though.

[@vickistevens423]

@@TheHistoryUnderground great content of the BB Museum. Eager to see the Firearms Museum video. You'll love the Irma Hotel. Definitely worth a trip back to Cody. Thank you for taking us along to the Old West.

[@vickistevens423]

@@mfreund15448 definitely. One of my favorite Old West towns.

[@Dellboy56]

A friend of mine is a Veterinarian. He's also a Taxidermist. He has a sign on the side of his car that reads, “Either way, you get your dog back.” hehe. I'm fascinated by anything Western. Thank you, my friend.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh shoot! That is hilarious.

[@garycody1929]

Great episode. Thank you so much.

[@phyllishershkowitz3806]

What a great museum. Love the longer videos. Thanks so much!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrEaglesfan40]

What a great episode JD I love the old Wild West and all the history of the Native American Indians and Cowboys, I will get to Yellowstone and the Great Plains states one of these days for now I get to see all of it through your adventures Thank you JD.

[@MrBradleyDavid]

The History Underground vs Preston Stewart,…. Aaannnnd, you win! As soon as I’m done, I’ll have enough light to cut the grass. Then I’ll get back to Preston. Fascinating video. I spent some time in the Wind River Range. Definitely I’ll have to get back there to see the museum. Dang it JD! Stop putting all these places on my bucket list!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Heck of a place. You’ll love it.

[@1psychofan]

I just got to watch this!! What an incredible video! I can’t get over bullet holes in the art frame? Did NOT see that coming-then the TeePee? Are you kidding me right now? INCREDIBLE WOW JD!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@dawnlefevre9172]

I was SO excited to see this!!! If I'm not watching/reading military then I'm watching/reading westerns!!🤗🤗

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@Jerry-fn5nx]

Amazing museum! I could get lost in there for days studying all the history 👍

[@margeoconnor166]

Love Cody and the Buffalo Bill Center. Also love Normandy. Keep going to more of my favorite places!!!!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

The story of the West is the story of America...Great Video,amazing museum.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@geroo3380]

THANK YOU so much, really fall in love with your YT channel, embracing so many interesting history themes i like myself from childhood on, from Wild West to WW2 military history, just amazing - keep going to fascinate us with all of this, greatings from Germany (border to France, my second homeland)

[@lthom5158]

Congratulations on episode 300! Stunning museum! Looking forward to the future episodes!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you very much!

[@stephenrrose]

Great Job JD, Now it's something I just have to go see!!! Along with all the other sites you go too!!! LOL

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Heck of a place.

[@jacquelinebloom4339]

Born and raised in southwestern Idaho so know the Yellowstone area well along with family in Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado and Montana. Loved your visit to Cody. Thanks for the museum tripping.

[@gregorybarr6112]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video. The history of the old west and Buffalo Bill was very interesting. My father took us to Wyoming and Yellowstone in the early 60’s and on the way out we stopped in North Dakota to see the Teddy Roosevelt Ranch. Thanks for the work you do to preserve history.

[@DP90263]

I spent the better part of two days there and I still don’t think I saw everything. Thank JD for another great video!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Crazy how much is there.

[@kennethreese4659]

Great video. I love the wild west history. Hope you do more videos on this subject.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Will do!

[@jimkleiss1020]

Glad to see you feature this. It is truly a world class museum. We thought we'd go for a half a day and wound up spending two full and still feeling like we didn't see it all.

[@marym1427]

There is a ranch / mansion of Buffalo Bill in North Platte that is now a museum. Went there several years ago and it was pretty fascinating to walk through a home he actually lived in!

[@obizzil]

Another great video! Thanks JD Congratulations on episode 300 looking forward to many more 🤠🇺🇸

[@terranceolive6792]

Once again a really interesting and unique look at our history great content as always

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@tod2992]

JD.. I love your channel about history. It's so interesting in the fact I learn so much better about times and events of our past. Thanks.

[@sideshowbob8220]

Man u have the world's best job. Love these videos thanks for all you do for us!!

[@lyndabarnaby5253]

I’m proud to say a former employer Siegel + Gale played a large part in rebranding and retooling the Museum. Never saw the final results … looks amazing!

[@scottmcaroo2445]

Great video, suddenly I feel the need to get to Wyoming. 300 episodes!

[@TheWizardofOdds914]

Gotta check out the Plains Indian museum, looks phenomenal

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It really was.

[@2KDUDE22]

Been to Cody and the museum and what an amazing experience! If you can go you should go, greatest museum on earth you spend literally the whole day there and maybe not see everything.

[@mojavemike6522]

Yes. This great museum would require at least two days. Was there a few years ago and wish I spent more time. Thanks for the vid!

[@sasquatch885]

Wow! Looking forward to the next episode.👍🏻

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@reaperthemad8731]

Great vid! I finally decided to watch the series 1883 the other day. It got me thinking, there haven't been a lot of modern portrayals of traversing the Oregon Trail. Same goes for Buffalo Bill and that genre. Seems like most everything was made during the 1950s-60s, with a slightly different lens than we might look at it now. This museum is definitely on my list to visit.

[@wayned1807]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. I've visited this museum many times and have to admit that it's my favorite from the dozens I've visited over the years. I agree that it takes two days to visit, The fire arm collection is amazing.

[@Yeetin_Peas]

The mountain goats are not native to Rocky Mountain National park. If they do show up there (from Mt. Evans to the south) they are removed. They compete with the natural resources of the native Big Horn sheep there and can spread disease also. There was one in RMNP a couple years ago that was relocated. Great video and I am putting this museum on my list of places I'd love to go soon!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@andreasfiege8388]

Great video JD, wished I´d seen it before going to Cody, so missed the museum. Have you already read the new novel from Jeff Shaara about Teddy Roosevelt, great read, highly recommend it. Over the weekend I will be in Gettysburg and visit some places you recommended to us. Congrats on episode 300.

[@davidbarron5368]

Absolutely fantastic episode.

[@carylosborn1808]

I would love to see more US-based historical sites. I know you used to do that in the beginning but there is so much to see in this country! I've been to the BB Center and it's great.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Lots to see from all over. 🙂

[@johnstup4479]

That was some cool stuff JD! Thanks for the tour.

[@janzen77]

We've been there twice. Planning our 3rd trip hopefully next summer.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@Demon_Outlaw]

Holy smokes that museum really amazing. Hopefully get back to show more were you left off 🎉🎉❤

[@Wreckdiver59]

Now we can wait and see what Buffalo Bill artifacts Erik has 😉

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha!

[@ronflook8495]

Oh my soooo cool!! Thank you for showing

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@Wreckdiver59]

I'll have to catch up later tonight. On my way to Antietam. Maybe I should rewatch those episodes too 😉

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@250sabre]

Excellent show, thank you sir !

[@Prellium]

Fascinating, thank you JD.

[@sasha642]

I hope you can get back fro the second half.. great vlog

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Next episode 🙂

[@Wreckdiver59]

As many times as I heard about the Pony Express in movies or on TV, I would have thought it was around for years 😅 learned something

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yeah, it’s kind of surprising when you see how short lived it really was.

[@sadiejustin]

On top of all that is in this video, the drive from Cody to the east entrance of Yellowstone is one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you haven't, you definitely should!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed.

[@marlenesheesley1092]

You have reminded us why we love this museum. We were there in 2021 and can't wait to retire and move to the area. How long did you spend on the firearms side?

[@bordersw1239]

My grandmother used to talk about going to see his Wild West show, we used to have the poster. I think it was May 1904, Cardiff, Wales.

[@steveshipkie1624]

Fantastic work

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@terryeustice5399]

Jumping around a bit JD from WW2 to Wild West. Is a little strange. 💯👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It’s all history. 🙂

[@cynditermath9118]

What a fabulous place. It has changed so much since I visited in the 1980s. You did a marvelous video showing what you could with your time constraints. Looking forward to the firearms video. Keep up the good work. Just love your content.

[@sbishop6450]

Loved this video. American history has so many diverse elements to it. Fascinating. Did Buffalo Bill came to uk. I would love to know more Native American history. Thanks JD from uk

[@ericmeshenberg3332]

In 1967 and 1968, I was a library page at the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Main Library on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. The head librarian was Miss Cody, the great grand daughter of Buffalo Bill. She was a spinster and had no children. I believe she was the last direct descendant of Bill Cody. This was confirmed my her huge office on the second floor that was festooned with so much of her great grandfather's possessions and memorabilia. Did he use a Winchester riffle , the gun that won the west ? Have you done a video on the Winchester House in San Francisco. The Indian nations cursed the Winchester family and its effect was profound on the Winchester Family.

[@patfullenkamp2204]

Yessss. Love American history outside of wars

[@johnkriete2152]

I grew up in Casper Wyoming. We would “vacation“ throughout the Great state of Wyoming. Been to Cody many times, long ago.

[@aslooijer]

Wow what a great place. That tipi is just astonishing. Wow wow wow. Ty JD. On to the next place.

[@connorsimpson2997]

It suggests the video on my feed. I watch it whenever I'm told.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@jaholl97]

Great video👍👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you 👍

[@dbicht]

Thanks for a great history video. Did you ever hear of Captain Jack Crawford? I believe he started out friends with Buffalo Bill but they had a falling out. Capt. Jack started out as a Anthracite Miner in Minersville, Schuylkill County, PA, fought in the Civil War, was a buffalo scout and a teller of tall tales.

[@roygarciaazborn64]

Very interesting J.D. Hopefully you'll do a part two perhaps even a part three.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks. This is a two parter.

[@noir1563]

Beautiful museums. Enjoyed watching. You should go to his home on the top of Lookout Mountain its a fun museum too. And the buffalo are all extinct. Just bison now.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks. Got a link in the description from our other Buffalo Bill video.

[@randygraf2474]

great video, friend and I went there couple years ago, didn't get to see everything, enjoyed your video, hope you do more on museum, and on Custer battle ground, thanks and God bless.

[@tomjones2202]

Thank you for covering more than the CW, YES I LOVE CW but,, there's so much more to our country than that particular time. PLEASE stop by the Custer Battlefield and Fetterman Massacre and so many other places out there,,, :)

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@sescuba6405]

The Cody Museum is one of the very best museums in the US!

[@sescuba6405]

With all due respect, every time I've been to the Cody Museum, I take at least three full days to go through the museum - it's that extensive!

[@javiermori1710]

I would love some old west content. Billy the Kid,Doc Holliday,The Earps etc.. that stuff is super interesting.

[@adammitchell3462]

I didn't know that mountain goats were even in the lower 48,nice work!

[@glennwhittaker197]

Happy 300th 🥳🤠

[@Uprightfossil]

So interesting. Can you do some more videos of this place ?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Got another one on the way.

[@geoffthiessen646]

Another Great episode my friend