How Old Was Buffalo Bill When He Died

Getting Old the Buffalo Bill Way

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered how the heck you got to be your age, feeling out of breath just climbing stairs? William "Buffalo Bill" Cody definitely had that moment, except he was riding horses across the plains instead of fighting back pain at the office. He passed away in 1917 at the ripe old age of 70, which was practically ancient back then.

Imagine living through a time when cars were brand new and people still thought the Wild West was the frontier. Bill lived through so much that his lifespan was basically a walking history book. When he died, he was older than most folks' grandpappies are now, and honestly, that is kind of inspiring to think about today.

The Early Days

Born in 1846, Cody started working as a scout for the US Army when he was just a teenager, which is wild to imagine. He was literally a kid who could ride a horse better than most adults can ride a bike today. By the time he was 20, he was already killing buffalo to feed railroad workers, which sounds like a brutal commute to the office.

It's funny to think about how much the world changed while he was alive. He saw the Pony Express and lived long enough to watch airplanes take flight. That's like someone today remembering dial-up internet and then living to see the metaverse—crazy, right? It really puts things into perspective when you actually stop to think about the sheer distance of time.

Living the Legend

As he got older, Cody didn't just sit in a rocking chair and wait for the end of his days. He kept the show going with his famous Wild West show, which toured across the country. Even at 70, he was still putting on a performance, proving that age is just a number when you've got the energy of a bull.

His show was basically the 19th-century equivalent of a viral TikTok tour, except it featured real cowboys and actual buffalo. People would line up for miles just to see him ride a horse and shoot a few guns. It was pure entertainment, and honestly, it was kind of exhausting to watch for the poor guy running around the arena all day long.

Denver Closing Shop, Cafe Dedicated to Buffalo Bill | Westword

The Final Bow

So, how old was Buffalo Bill when he died, and what was it like being a legend in his final years? He was 70, and he took his final breath in Denver, Colorado. His death was caused by kidney failure, which is a far cry from being gunned down by a rival, though that would have been more dramatic.

Even on his deathbed, he was reportedly still talking about the good old days and his beloved horses. He truly lived life to the fullest, and his legacy was cemented long before he kicked the bucket. It's a reminder that growing old doesn't mean you have to stop having fun and enjoying every single day you are given.

Counting the Years

If you do the math, Cody spent about half his life in the saddle, and the other half trying to make a buck from his fame. He was a man of many hats, ranging from army scout to showman to politician. When he died, he left behind a name that is still recognized today, even by people who don't know much about the history of the West.

Buffalo Bill, l'indomptable légende de l'ouest Américain

Reaching 70 in the early 1900s was a massive achievement, especially considering the medical care wasn't exactly top-notch. He outlived a lot of his contemporaries and kept going strong until the very end. Honestly, we could all learn a thing or two from his persistence, and maybe take a few notes on how to age gracefully without losing our sense of humor.

A Life Well Lived

At 70, Buffalo Bill was older than most people's first smartphones are today. He had seen it all, from the wild frontier to the modern age of trains and telegraphs. His final years were spent in relative comfort, though his body was definitely worn out from decades of hard living.

When you think about how old Buffalo Bill was when he died, remember that he didn't just survive; he thrived. His age was a testament to his rugged lifestyle and sheer willpower. Next time you feel old because your back hurts after sitting at your desk, just remember that even legends get creaky knees and still know how to have a good time out there in the real world.