Pawnee Bill – Another Wild West Showman
The American West, a land of sweeping plains, rugged mountains, and untamed spirit, gave rise to a unique form of entertainment that captured the imagination of audiences worldwide: the Wild West show. Among the prominent figures who shaped this spectacle was Gordon W. Lillie, better known as Pawnee Bill. His story is one of ambition, innovation, and a deep connection to the land and its people. This article delves into the life and legacy of Pawnee Bill, exploring his journey from a young boy fascinated by the frontier to a renowned showman and rancher.
Born on February 14, 1860, in Bloomington, Illinois, Gordon W. Lillie was the eldest of four children. His father, Newton Lillie, was a prosperous flour mill owner, providing a comfortable upbringing for his family. While Gordon assisted his father in the mill, his mind often wandered to the captivating tales of the Old West. He devoured dime novels, immersing himself in the adventures of cowboys, Native Americans, and the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody. These stories ignited a passion within him, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
The family’s fortunes took a turn when their flour mill was destroyed by fire in the 1870s. Seeking a fresh start, they relocated to Wellington, Kansas, where they had relatives. The Lillies once again established a farm and rebuilt their flour mill, demonstrating their resilience and determination. It was during this period that young Gordon’s life took an unexpected and formative turn.
As fate would have it, the Pawnee Indians, who were being forcibly moved from their ancestral lands in Nebraska to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma), established a winter camp near Wellington. Intrigued by their culture and way of life, Gordon spent countless hours with the Pawnee, learning their language, customs, and survival skills. He forged a lasting friendship with Blue Hawk, a respected tribal elder, who shared his wisdom and knowledge of the land. This experience profoundly shaped Gordon’s understanding of the West and instilled in him a deep respect for Native American culture. It was during this period of cultural immersion that Gordon would later become known as Pawnee Bill.
At the age of fifteen, Gordon embarked on a cattle drive from Wichita, Kansas, further immersing himself in the cowboy lifestyle. Driven by his desire to connect with his Pawnee friends, he ventured south to Indian Territory to visit Blue Hawk. He settled near the Pawnee reservation and found employment in a rock quarry. However, his heart remained with the Pawnee, and he spent much of his free time with them, participating in their annual buffalo hunts. He briefly joined Trapper Tom McCain’s fur trading company before returning to the Pawnee community.
In 1879, Gordon’s unique skills and knowledge led him to become a Pawnee teacher, interpreter, and secretary to Major Bowman, the Indian agent. It was during this time that the name Pawnee Bill began to stick, a testament to his close ties with the tribe. He had become more than just an observer; he was a trusted friend and advocate for the Pawnee people.
The year 1883 marked a turning point in Gordon’s life. The Pawnee Agency received a letter from Buffalo Bill Cody, seeking Native American performers for his newly formed Wild West Show. Eager to showcase their culture and skills to a wider audience, six Pawnee warriors, along with Gordon Lillie, eagerly volunteered.
Gordon’s role in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show was multifaceted. He served as an interpreter, bridging the communication gap between the Native American performers and the rest of the cast and crew. He also participated in various performances, showcasing his horsemanship and knowledge of Native American traditions. The show’s travels took him across the nation, exposing him to new audiences and experiences.
While in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Pawnee Bill met May Manning, a fifteen-year-old Quaker girl who was captivated by the Wild West show parade. Despite their different backgrounds, the two struck up a connection and maintained a long-distance courtship for the next two years. In 1886, they married, embarking on a lifelong partnership that would shape their careers and legacies.
May’s family, recognizing Gordon’s talent and ambition, encouraged him to start his own Wild West show. Inspired by the idea, he gathered investors and launched the "Pawnee Bill Wild West Show" in 1888. May, a skilled equestrian and sharpshooter, became a star performer, billed as the "Champion Girl Horseback Shot of the West." However, the initial venture faced financial difficulties and closed after only one season.
Undeterred by this setback, Pawnee Bill reorganized his show as "Pawnee Bill’s Historical Wild West Indian Museum and Encampment Show." This time, his vision proved successful, attracting large crowds and critical acclaim. The show’s popularity grew to the point where he decided to take it to Europe. Unfortunately, this international tour proved to be a financial disaster, leading to bankruptcy.
Displaying remarkable resilience, Pawnee Bill regrouped once again and toured Holland and France, even entertaining royalty with his captivating performances. Upon returning to the United States, the show regained its popularity and financial stability.
In 1902, Pawnee Bill established the Buffalo Ranch on land he purchased from his friend Blue Hawk. This ranch became a sanctuary for bison and other wildlife, reflecting his commitment to conservation. He even traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for a congressional bill to create a wildlife refuge, demonstrating his dedication to preserving the natural heritage of the West.
As his show continued to evolve, Pawnee Bill sought to create an even more diverse and spectacular entertainment experience. In 1907, he hired performers from various backgrounds, including Mexican cowboys, Pawnee and Sioux scouts, Chinese and Japanese acrobats, and Arab jugglers. He renamed the production "Pawnee Bill’s Wild West and Great Far East Show," reflecting its expanded scope and international appeal.
Around the same time, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show began to face financial challenges. In 1908, Pawnee Bill purchased a one-third interest in the production, effectively becoming a partner with his childhood hero. Soon after, Gordon bought the remaining interest in the show but retained Buffalo Bill as a partner, recognizing his legendary status and drawing power.
The "Two Bill’s Show," as it became known, combined the strengths of both showmen, creating a grand spectacle that captivated audiences worldwide. For five seasons, the show toured extensively, showcasing realistic and fantastical portrayals of the Old West. However, in 1913, the venture ultimately succumbed to financial difficulties and closed in Denver, Colorado.
Despite the end of his Wild West show career, Pawnee Bill continued to pursue his passions and diversify his interests. In 1910, he and May built their dream home on Blue Hawk Peak, a testament to their success and enduring love for the land. May took on the role of manager of the Buffalo Ranch, while Gordon continued to travel with Buffalo Bill.
In 1916, the couple adopted a child and named him Billy, bringing joy and new purpose to their lives. During this time, Gordon also invested in an oil refinery in Yale, Oklahoma, raised cattle, and even started a movie production company on his ranch, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to embrace new ventures. Tragically, their adopted son Billy died in an accident when he was only eight years old, leaving a void in their lives.
In 1930, Pawnee Bill built and operated "Pawnee Bill’s Old Town," a tourist attraction located two miles west of his ranch. This living history museum featured log cabins, tepees, saloons, mock gunfights, and other attractions that recreated the atmosphere of the Old West. It became a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience the romance and adventure of the frontier.
In 1936, May died in an automobile accident, leaving Gordon heartbroken. He continued to operate his ranch and tourist attractions until his own death in 1942 at the age of 81.
Unfortunately, in 1944, "Pawnee Bill’s Old Town" was destroyed by fire, consuming many valuable artifacts of Indian art and relics of the Old West.
Today, Pawnee Bill‘s legacy lives on through the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum in Pawnee, Oklahoma. His arts and crafts style home, filled with his original furnishings and collections, offers visitors a glimpse into his life and times. The museum also features the first log cabin that housed Bill and May when they first purchased the ranch, the three-story stone barn that Bill built in 1926 to house his animals, an observation tower Bill utilized to look out over his ranchlands, and other outbuildings.
The ranch continues to maintain one of the finest herds of bison in the world, as well as a herd of longhorn cattle, preserving the heritage of the American West. Located about 55 miles west of Tulsa on U.S. 64, the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum stands as a tribute to a remarkable showman, rancher, and conservationist who left an indelible mark on the American landscape.
Contact Information:
Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum
PO Box 493
Pawnee, Oklahoma 74058
918-762-2513