The Active Historian

Hey, friend! Welcome back to another Museum Adventure! Today, I want to tell you about Pawnee Bill’s historic ranch, mansion, and museum in Pawnee, Oklahoma.

First, a little background as to why I wanted to visit this place so badly. I started studying the history of entertainment in the American West during my master’s thesis in grad school. Wild West shows made up a large portion of entertainment in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. There were several traveling shows that appeared across the United States, Canada, Europe, and more. Several shows had a home base and/or wintered in Oklahoma or Texas. Pawnee Bill lived in Pawnee, Oklahoma and I’ve want to visit the same place I’ve read so much about.

So, I’m excited to show you around. Let’s get started!

Pawnee Bill Museum

The Pawnee Bill Museum showcases history covering Pawnee, Wild West shows, the Lillie family, and more. I’ve included a few photos below of things you’ll see in the museum!

The outfits belonged to the Lillie’s: Gordon W. “Pawnee Bill,” May, and their adopted son, Billie.

This miniature Wild West show diorama was one of my favorite things! You can see just how large the show actually was. This cabinet was too long to get the whole thing in a front-facing photo. I’ll post a video on Instagram account later this week and will link it here later!

The following exhibition cases showcased different parts of Wild West show and Native American history. You’ll learn about Wild West show experiences from multiple points of view from show members worldwide.

The Pawnee Bill Museum talks about Native American imagery in Wild West shows. For furthering reading on Indigenous agency in Wild West shows please see Linda Scarangella McNenly’s book, Native Performers in Wild West Shows: From Buffalo Bill To Euro Disney.

Swipe through the carousel below to see several different Wild West show posters!

Pawnee Bill Mansion

In 1910, the Pawnee Bill Mansion was completed. It was the home of Gordon W. “Pawnee Bill” and May Lillie. The home has fourteen rooms and still contains their original belongings. The silverware, furniture, photos, art, materials, and more has been preserved in great condition!

In addition to the home and museum, there are several pastures and other historic structures. There is a drive-through pasture where you can see bison, longhorn, and draft horses. I didn’t drive through the pasture on the day I went because I ran out of time, but hope to go back someday!

There’s a historic barn on the property that was built in 1926, but it was closed for a wedding on the day I visited so I couldn’t go inside.

The original blacksmith shop is still on the property and they had live demonstrations on the day of the Wild West show. There is also a log cabin that was built in 1903 on the ranch. Finally, there is an Indian Flower Shrine that is pictured below.

Annual Wild West Show

Each year the Pawnee Bill Museum reenacts the Pawnee Bill Wild West Show. It appears to happen in June most years.

I visited on the day of the show and saw the daytime activities, but unfortunately couldn’t stay for the evening show due to a personal scheduling conflict. I hope to attend the actual Wild West Show next year!

Concluding Thoughts

I’m so glad I finally made a trip out to Pawnee to see Pawnee Bill’s historic ranch, mansion, and museum. It was cool to walk in the same places and spaces historic figures I’ve read about had walked in.

I hope you’ll go check the museum out and visit their Annual Wild West Show!

Happy Traveling! I’ll talk to ya soon! 🙂

Visit

1141 Pawnee Bill Road
Pawnee, OK 74058

Sources

Pawnee Bill Ranch & Museum – website

Plaques throughout the Pawnee Bill Ranch & Museum grounds.

Linda Scarangella McNenly. “Native Performers in Wild West Shows: From Buffalo Bill To Euro Disney.”