Masculinity and the Frontier Hero

Where it surfaces

• Early Influences

  Billings' daring horsemanship and the armed, rough men at Rively's trading post embody the rugged masculine ideal of the frontier.

• In Business

  Wild Bill Hickok is portrayed as the ideal frontier hero: physically powerful, courageous, skilled with weapons, yet calm and gentlemanly. His protection of young Cody exemplifies the code of loyalty and strength.

• Adventures on the Overland Road

  Cody proves his manhood through endurance (322-mile ride) and bravery, while Wild Bill leads the stock-recovery party with strategic daring.

• Fast Driving

  Bob Scott's reckless, defiant driving embodies the frontier ideal of masculine bravado and skill, as he proves his superiority over the complaining Englishmen.

• A Millionaire

  Cody's bareback buffalo hunt, killing eleven buffalo with twelve shots, reinforces his image as a skilled, fearless frontiersman, impressing the officers.

• A Courier

  Cody repeatedly volunteers for dangerous missions when others hesitate, embodying the fearless, self-reliant frontier hero who thrives under pressure.

• Scouting

  Cody's bravery, marksmanship, and resourcefulness in combat and hunting exemplify the frontier hero ideal.

• A Tough Time

  Cody's resourcefulness in navigating the wagon train down a steep bluff and his success as a hunter reinforce the ideal of the self-reliant, capable frontier hero.

• Hunting Expedition

  Cody's role as guide, hunter, and leader, as well as the competitive buffalo hunting and mock court-martial, reinforce ideals of frontier masculinity.

• Honors

  Cody's daring charge, his skill with the lariat, and his role as a fearless guide reinforce his image as a frontier hero.

• An Actor

  Cody and Texas Jack's stage portrayal of Indian fighting reinforces the rugged, heroic masculine ideal of the frontier.

• I Return to the Plains

  Buffalo Bill's heroic duel and the poem by Jack Crawford reinforce the ideal of the brave, skilled frontiersman.