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Wyoming to publish Buffalo Bill's papers

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- More than a century ago, Buffalo Bill Cody took Wyoming to the world with his Wild West show.

His trick-roping cowboys, stern-faced Indian chiefs and exotic animal displays made Cody a celebrity in East Coast cities and European capitals alike. With his ever-present hat and distinctive goatee, Cody hobnobbed with kings and presidents as one of the best known U.S. citizens of his day.

Now Wyoming is planning to scour the world for the showman's correspondence to compile a definitive historical reference work on its most famous ambassador.

''I truly believe that Buffalo Bill was an epic character in Wyoming's history, especially northwest Wyoming, and America's history,'' said state Rep. Colin Simpson, who pushed through legislation this spring to put up $300,000 in state money to kick off the Buffalo Bill papers project.

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center in the city of Cody is raising funds to match the state's investment.

Read entire article at AP