Profile of the Day: Buffalo Bill Cody

Do you have cowboys or lawmen in your family tree? On this day in 1846, Buffalo Bill Cody was born in the Iowa Territory.

Image: Buffalo Bill Cody / Library of Congress

Though born in the U.S., Cody spent much of his childhood growing up in his father’s hometown in Canada before the family moved to the Kansas territory.

Buffalo Bill’s life was filled with fascinating adventures, making him a legendary figure of the American Wild West. At the age of 14, he became a rider for the Pony Express. He then served as a Union soldier during the American Civil War, and later, served as a civilian scout to the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars.

However, Buffalo Bill would gain world fame for his highly popular Wild West shows. The traveling attraction showcased many figures of the Old West, including sharpshooter Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane, and Chief Sitting Bull.

Explore Buffalo Bill Cody’s family tree on Geni and discover how you’re related to one of the most colorful figures of the American Wild West.