William Frederick Cody, commonly known as Buffalo Bill, was an American frontiersman, showman, and soldier born on February 26, 1846. He gained fame for his role in the American West and became a symbol of the frontier experience. Cody worked as a buffalo hunter and scout, earning his nickname while supplying meat to railroad workers. In 1883, he founded Buffalo Bill's Wild West, a traveling show that showcased cowboy life, Native American culture, and thrilling performances. The show featured rodeos, sharpshooting, and reenactments of famous events, making Cody a prominent figure in American entertainment until his death on January 10, 1917.