Showmanship and the Wild West – Oklahoma’s Wild West Exhibitions: 1886-1933 exhibit closes

The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will showcase the University of Oklahoma Libraries Western History Collections exhibit Showmanship and the Wild West—Oklahoma’s Wild West Exhibitions: 1886-1933 through Sunday, August 31.

Through a collection of historic posters, photographs, and Wild West show artifacts, the exhibit will feature the rise and fall of  “America’s National Entertainment,” reflecting the popularity of Wild West Shows from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Oklahomans played a significant role in this nostalgic era as the American frontier faded, with Native Americans forced onto reservations and cattle drives ending.

Buffalo Bill Cody capitalized on the mythologized image of the West, transitioning from dime novels to his iconic Wild West Show. His performances featured historical re-enactments like Custer’s Last Stand and showcased cowboys, cowgirls, and Indigenous performers, including Sitting Bull. As competition grew, Buffalo Bill expanded his show to include diverse acts, blurring the lines with conventional circuses.

In 1888, Gordon W. Lillie, known as Pawnee Bill, began his own show in Oklahoma. Lillie, who had moved to the region in the 1870s, found success touring the United States and Europe, introducing acts like “The Great Train Robbery” and “The Great Far East.” In 1908, financial troubles led to a merger with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West, becoming what was popularly known as the “Two Bills Show” until dwindling attendance ended the collaboration.

Despite the challenges, Pawnee Bill prospered, establishing a 2,000-acre ranch near Pawnee, where he produced films featuring himself and his wife, who was a champion sharpshooter. Meanwhile, the Miller brothers of Oklahoma, known for their extensive ranch and entertainment contributions, also made a notable impact on the Wild West entertainment scene.

The exhibit will be on display in the Wild West gallery of the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum through Sunday, August 31.