Meaning: This quote is from Buffalo Bill, the famous showman and entertainer who became renowned for his Wild West shows in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The quote reflects Buffalo Bill's recollection of the initial presentation of his show in May 1883 in Omaha, which was followed by a summer tour that took the production to numerous major cities across the United States.

Buffalo Bill, whose real name was William F. Cody, was a larger-than-life figure who capitalized on the public's fascination with the American West and the frontier lifestyle. His Wild West shows were a spectacle of cowboy skills, Native American performances, and reenactments of frontier life, including stagecoach robberies and buffalo hunts. These shows provided audiences with an exciting and romanticized version of the American West, and they became immensely popular both in the United States and abroad.

The quote captures an important milestone in the history of Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. Omaha, Nebraska, was a significant location for Buffalo Bill, as he had chosen it as his home base. The decision to launch the show in Omaha likely held personal significance for him, and the city's location in the heart of the American Midwest made it a strategic starting point for the national tour.

Following the first presentation in Omaha, Buffalo Bill and his troupe embarked on a summer tour that took them to numerous cities across the United States. This tour was a pivotal moment in the show's history, as it allowed Buffalo Bill to showcase his production to a wide and diverse audience. Visiting "practically every important city in the country" gave the show widespread exposure and helped solidify its reputation as a must-see attraction.

The tour's success speaks to the public's fascination with the Wild West and the dramatic flair with which Buffalo Bill presented it. The show's combination of thrilling performances, colorful characters, and dramatic reenactments tapped into the romanticized image of the American frontier that captivated audiences of the time. By bringing this spectacle to cities across the country, Buffalo Bill effectively capitalized on the public's interest in the Wild West, establishing his show as a cultural phenomenon.

In addition to entertaining audiences, Buffalo Bill's Wild West show also played a role in shaping the perception of the American West both domestically and internationally. Through his performances, Buffalo Bill helped perpetuate enduring myths and stereotypes about the frontier, influencing how people viewed the region and its inhabitants. While his show undoubtedly entertained millions, it also contributed to a romanticized and often inaccurate portrayal of the West.

In conclusion, Buffalo Bill's quote captures a significant moment in the history of his Wild West show. The decision to launch the show in Omaha and the subsequent summer tour that brought it to cities across the United States marked a turning point for the production. The success of the tour not only cemented Buffalo Bill's reputation as a showman but also contributed to the enduring fascination with the American West. While the quote reflects Buffalo Bill's personal recollection of the show's early days, it also offers insight into the cultural impact of his Wild West spectacle.