Buffalo Bill

William Frederick Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, shaped the popular image of the American West as a soldier, bison hunter, and legendary showman. Born in Iowa Territory in 1846, Cody spent part of his childhood in what is now Mississauga, Ontario, before his family settled in Kansas Territory. Following his father's death, he began working at age 11 and joined the Pony Express as a rider when he was just 15 years old.

Cody's adventures began in earnest during the American Civil War, where he served the Union cause from 1863 to 1865. He later worked as a civilian scout for the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars, earning a Medal of Honor in 1872 - though this was controversially rescinded in 1917 along with 909 other recipients. Congress finally restored his medal in 1989, along with those of four other civilian scouts.

At 23, Cody began building his legendary status, soon performing in shows that dramatized frontier life, cowboy culture, and the Indian Wars. His most significant achievement came in 1883 with the creation of Buffalo Bill's Wild West, a spectacular touring show that captivated audiences across the United States and, from 1887, throughout Europe. By the time of his death in 1917, Buffalo Bill had become one of the most renowned figures of the American Old West, helping to craft the enduring mythology of the frontier era.