Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show: The 1887 London Exhibition
In 1887, London became the stage for one of the most ambitious spectacles of the 19th century: William Cody's Wild West show. Arriving as part of the American Exhibition, the production brought a romanticized and dramatic vision of the American frontier to the heart of the British Empire, blending historical narrative with live performance.
The Drama of Civilization
The core of the show was a grand spectacle titled "The Drama of Civilization," a production originally created by Steele MacKaye, Matt Morgan, and Nelse Waldron. The show was structured as a series of tableau vivants—living pictures—organized into distinct historical epochs.
- Epoch I: The Primeval Forest – This opening act concluded with a conflict among indigenous people, followed by traditional dancing and a sharp-shooting demonstration by Lillian Smith.
- Epoch II: The Prairie – This segment featured a buffalo hunt, a train passing through hostile territory, a prairie fire, and a stampede, capped off by cowboys demonstrating riding, roping, and "bronc busting."
- Epoch III: The Attack on the Mining Camp – William Cody starred in this act, defending a cabin against gunfire and screaming indigenous performers, followed by shooting displays from Cody and Annie Oakley.
- Epoch IV: Mining Camp – This act showcased the Pony Express, a cyclone, and an attack on a Deadwood stagecoach.
- Epoch V: Custer's Last Stand – Added as a final climax, this epoch ended with Cody circling the arena on horseback while the words "Too Late!" were projected onto the cyclorama.
While the finale suggested Cody's involvement in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, historical records indicate he was not close enough to the site to have arrived immediately after the battle, nor would his presence have likely changed the outcome.
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A Massive Logistical Undertaking
Transporting the show from New York to the United Kingdom was a monumental task involving a vast array of people and animals. The troupe included Annie Oakley and 97 indigenous people, primarily from the Sioux tribes, including Chief Red Shirt and Black Elk, as well as Mexican, Mexican-American, and African-American performers.
The animal transport was equally extensive. Despite a local outbreak of hoof-and-mouth disease, customs officials suspended normal quarantine requirements to allow the entry of:
| Animal Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Horses | 180 |
| Buffalo | 18 |
| Mules | 10 |
| Elk | 10 |
| Texan Steers | 5 |
| Donkeys | 4 |
| Deer | 2 |
In addition to the livestock, the production transported an authentic Deadwood stagecoach across the Atlantic.
Royal Endorsements and Public Success
The show's prestige was cemented through its connection to the British Royal Family. On May 5, Cody hosted a private preview for the Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VII). This led to a command performance for Queen Victoria on May 11, 1887—her first public appearance since the death of Prince Albert in 1861.
The Queen's journals reveal a complex reaction. While she enjoyed the show and met Cody, Oakley, Smith, and Chief Red Shirt, she described the indigenous performers in their roles as "rather alarming looking" with "cruel faces," finding the War Dance "quite fearful" due to the shrieks and contortions. Conversely, Black Elk recalled that the Queen spoke respectfully to the performers and their families, noting that while she was "little but fat," she was "good to us."
The royal approval sparked further interest, leading to another command performance on June 20, 1887, for Golden Jubilee guests, attended by European royalty including the future Kaiser Wilhelm II and King George V. Queen Victoria visited the exhibition again on June 22, 1887, and later saw the show at Windsor in 1892.
Key Facts
- Total Tickets Sold: Over 2.5 million.
- Total Performances: More than 300 before closing in October 1887.
- Key Performers: William Cody, Annie Oakley, Lillian Smith, Black Elk, and Chief Red Shirt.
- Royal Patronage: Endorsed by Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales.
- Scale: Included 97 indigenous performers and nearly 230 animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Buffalo Bill actually fight in Custer's Last Stand?
Although the show's finale implied his presence, Cody was not near enough to the Battle of the Little Bighorn to have arrived immediately after it ended, and his presence would not have altered the battle's outcome.
How did Queen Victoria react to the indigenous performers?
Her reactions were mixed; she described their performance faces as "cruel" and the War Dance as "fearful," yet Black Elk remembered her as being kind and respectful to the performers and their families.
What was the "Drama of Civilization"?
It was the structured narrative of the show, consisting of five "epochs" (The Primeval Forest, The Prairie, Attack on the Mining Camp, Mining Camp, and Custer's Last Stand) presented as a series of living pictures.
How many people and animals were brought to London?
The show brought 97 indigenous performers (mostly Sioux), along with African-American and Mexican/Mexican-American cast members, and a total of 229 animals, including 180 horses and 18 buffalo.
Was the show a financial success?
Yes, the show was a massive success, selling over two and a half million tickets across more than 300 performances during its London run.