Here’s How to Celebrate Women’s History Month in Cody Yellowstone
March is Women’s History Month, and here in Northwest Wyoming, there are plenty of places visitors can experience first-hand the impact of the women who have made the destination a better place.
It’s the way Buffalo Bill Cody would have wanted it.
Buffalo Bill was a ladies’ man, but not in the sense you’d expect. Raised by parents who preached fairness for all, Buffalo Bill Cody insisted on paying the female performers in his Wild West Show the same as men. “If a woman can do the same work that a man can do and do it just as well, she should have the same pay,” he once said. In the late 1800s, those were pretty shocking words.
Fortunately for Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane, two of the most famous performers in the show, Buffalo Bill didn’t care what others said. The two stars were paid the same as the show’s other stars.
That’s just one example of many. Here are some of the places where visitors can go to experience to celebrate the women of Cody Yellowstone during Women’s History Month.
Enjoy a brew and a Reuben sandwich at Pat’s Brew House
Pat’s Brew House owners Norfleet Gifford and Ariel Fishman offer some of the best sandwiches in town, while brewer Alexandria Cain brews up original recipes in a variety of styles (our suggestion, try the Agatha Amber!). Wyoming’s first all-female-owned-and-operated establishment provides a fun and lighthearted atmosphere just steps away from Sheridan Ave., Cody’s main street.
Relax with a “Death in the Afternoon” cocktail at the Chamberlin Inn
Agnes Chamberlin was the owner and proprietress of the Chamberlin Inn, now a centrally located boutique hotel that is a popular gathering place. She opened the hotel as a boardinghouse in 1900 and gradually expanded the building and added touches of luxury. Over the years, the Chamberlin Inn has hosted many famous guests like Ernest Hemingway and Prince Albert of Monaco. The Chamberlin Inn’s Spirits Lounge features a variety of specialty cocktails and a delicious menu of eats, plus weekly live music, making it the perfect stop for a memorable evening.
Raft the Shoshone River with Wyoming River Trips or take a pack rafting trip with Wyoming Rivers Cooperative
Elyse Guarino co-owns Wyoming River Trips and Wyoming Rivers Cooperative with her partner, Landon Blanchard. A former #WildWatch ambassador, she is a tireless advocate for responsible recreation and critical thinking about one’s own outdoor and environmental ethics.
Ship home some farm-raised beef from the Pitchfork Ranch in Meeteetse
Pitchfork Ranch Manager Lindsey Anson is dedicated to promoting authentic Western traditions and was recently a #WildWatch Ambassador for Cody Yellowstone. Her passion for agriculture has served her well, as much of her work is focused on making the historic ranch increasingly sustainable.
Dance the night away at Cassie’s Supper Club
Widowed at a young age, Cassie Waters founded one of the town’s most successful houses of prostitution in 1912. She was a generous civic leader who often was among the first in line when contributions were needed for schools or charitable organizations. Although she complied when townspeople pressured her to move her bustling business to the outskirts of town, she continued to support the town in numerous ways until her death. Cassie’s Supper Club remains a popular destination for dining and dancing.
Go shopping at Cowtown Candy and Sunlight Sports in Downtown Cody
Cowtown Candy and Sunlight Sports were both started by Sandy Newsome, a State Legislator (House District 24) and business owner who sits on numerous state boards and lobbies at the state level to promote the Wyoming Tourism industry.
Visit Heart Mountain WW II Interpretive Center
Estelle Ishigo was a Caucasian woman who chose to remain at her Japanese-American husband’s side when he was imprisoned at the Heart Mountain Confinement Site during World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor. A talented artist, Ishigo chronicled the day-to-day lives of the 14,000 camp residents with sketches, drawings and watercolors depicting the brutal conditions of the camp and camp life. Her artistic creations are among the many poignant exhibits on display at the Heart Mountain WW II Interpretive Center today.
Visit the Plains Indian Museum at Buffalo Bill Center of the West
One of five museums at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, The Plains Indian Museum is a must-visit. The museum’s assistant curator, Hunter Old Elk, has worked with staff to develop exhibits that explore the historic and contemporary cultures and traditions of Plains Indians peoples. Old Elk is a member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) and Yakama Nations.
Head to the Buffalo Bill Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
(Photo: Center of the West)
Mary Jester Allen was Buffalo Bill Cody’s niece, and she played an important and lasting role in the history of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Thanks to her tireless cajoling and elegant persuasion, numerous members of the Cody family supported the establishment of the museum by donating their personal Buffalo Bill objects. The Buffalo Bill Museum is now one of five museums at the Center of the West.
Pick up a copy of the Cody Enterprise newspaper (and head to the Cody Stampede this summer)
Caroline Lockhart was the editor and publisher of the Cody Enterprise and a passionate horsewoman who supported almost any initiative that promoted Western heritage or honored the memory of her dear friend Buffalo Bill Cody, who died in 1917. In 1920, she and other town leaders promoted the idea of staging the Cody Stampede, a rodeo event, on July 4. The Cody Stampede grew over time, and today it is a five-day celebration that includes rodeos, parades, festivals, and other special events.
Ready to learn more about Cody Yellowstone? Request your free copy of our 2023 Adventure Guide today! It’s full of valuable tips and tricks for planning the vacation of a lifetime right here in the Best Western Small Town in America and throughout Cody Yellowstone!
