From the July 18, 2017, Hi-Liter "Wild West had local flair" by Sandra Landen Machaj.
In the late 1800s, people in the United States and Europe started showing a distinct interest in the American frontier and as a result, there were Wild West Shows which were popular and well-attended. They'd move from town to town and were essentially circuses, with performers and animals.
Among the first ones established was the one of William Frederick Cody, also known as Buffalo Bill. He had his first show in 1883 and continued until 1913 His shows were huge and carefully choreographed with up to 120 performers including animals like horses, buffaloes and even Texas Longhorns.
Popular names of the day could be found among his starts like Will Rogers, Tom Mix and Wild Bill Hickok. Wild Bill earned his reputation as a gunfighter and marshal out West and was popular in 10-cent novels of the day.
And, there were a few women in the shows, including Annie Oakley, considered to be the first female sharpshooter. She was also featured in those dime novels.
--CootWest
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