Oakley, Kansas - Buffalo Bill Kill Statue

This magnificent sculpture of Buffalo Bill about to bring down a buffalo is on Hwy. 83 and 2nd Ave. It was created by sculptor and painter Charlie Norton. In 1868, William F. Cody -- "Buffalo Bill" -- was making his living as a contract buffalo hunter, feeding the crews laying tracks for the Kansas Pacific Railroad. At the same time, William Comstock, also known as "Buffalo Bill," made his living as a contract buffalo hunter feeding the soldiers at Fort Wallace.

To determine the real "Buffalo Bill," a contest was held west of Oakley. Bill Cody brought down 69 buffalo and Bill Comstock brought down 46 buffalo. From that day forward, the legend of William F."Buffalo Bill" Cody was born. [Joe Boulter, 10/28/2006]

[RA: This statue offers nice photo opportunities. We suggest positioning a family member to block Cody's kill shot.]

If you continue just a couple of miles past Prairie Dog Town down U.S. 83 in Oakley, Kansas, you'll find a magnificent statue of Buffalo Bill Cody. This twice life-size statue is truly impressive. Tune in to a specially-dedicated radio channel to hear the story of how Buffalo Bill Cody, in the fields west of Oakley, vied with another famous buffalo hunter, Buffalo Bill Comstock, to slaughter buffalo for the rights to the "Buffalo Bill" moniker. Cody won easily. Oakley is now trying to position itself as a must-stop for Buffalo Bill fans, with the slogan "Birthplace of a Legend."

This picture, by the way, is from the point of view of the buffalo. [Mark Newlon, 10/16/2006]