Heroes

Star Expert:
Kingwood history professor Link Hullar has been a writer for more than 30 years. He began with magazine articles and has co-authored a history text and more than a dozen Western novels. The courses he teaches include U.S. History I & II and a class focused on the Old West. We asked for his views on the legendary characters in history that keep us so fascinated by our Western heritage.

What does it take to become a legend – besides being simply famous or important?
It helps to come to great fame from humble origins by gaining a reputation for bravery or vision or some other trait that people admire. A legendary figure should lead a life that shows us the significant challenges and historical sweep of the era. We should say, “Wow!” Legends grow from publicity and story-telling but the person has to be real. Some important people are forgotten. For a legend, there should be lasting reminders – a tangible legacy that reaches large numbers of people over many generations.

Of all the legendary figures of the Old West, do you have a favorite?
Without a doubt, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody is my favorite, a figure who I think BEST represents the scope, sweep, and themes of the Old West. He was an actor and a showman for sure. But his true story reads like a larger than life "make-believe story-book” His father died when he was only 11 and he took on the responsibility for his mother and sisters. As a young man, he worked as a freighter and fur trapper, then rode for the Pony Express. He served as a soldier during the Civil War, then as an army scout in the Indian Wars and a hunting guide for wealthy easterners and foreign royalty. Through his eastern connections he came to the attention of the eastern press and the legend was born.

Was he a Texan?
Well no – he was born in Iowa, in 1846. But before he passed away in Denver in 1917, he was involved in virtually every aspect of the post-Civil War West including the cattle industry and the Indian Wars. And it was Cody, more than any other single person, who was responsible for making the West an important part of the American identity. His show, The Wild West, was one of the most popular entertainment spectaculars in America and Europe in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It opened in Omaha, Nebraska in 1883. It was a huge, circus-like presentation of events from frontier history. Not only did he take the show around the country, he even brought it to Europe and performed before the Queen of England!

Did he rodeo?
Cody's legend certainly involved the rodeo. He got the idea for his Wild West from his involvement with the Old Glory Blowout, a July fourth celebration and rodeo held in North Platte, Nebraska near his home ranch.

What gave Cody's legend such staying power?
Because of all the publicity he got, Cody's life entered the realm of fiction-- novels, songs, and plays. Cody decided to capitalize on all of this and became an actor in stage plays about himself. He went on to star in early motion pictures – creating a lasting public impression. Another lasting reminder is the town of Cody, Wyoming, which he founded just east of Yellowstone National Park. Like other "legendary” characters, Cody has stood the test of time. He loomed large even in his own day but over the years, his mythical status has grown and endured.

For more information about Lone Star College-Kingwood visit kingwood.lonestar.edu