After his father died, William F. Cody was forced to find work at age 11. During his colorful life from 1846 to 1917, he was a messenger, Pony Express rider, Civil War soldier, army scout, guide, and Indian fighter. He earned the nickname "Buffalo Bill" by providing fresh buffalo meat for railroad building crews. In 1883 he staged his first Wild West show, part rodeo, part theater, and part circus, and for 30 years it traveled across the United States, Canada, and Europe. On Sept. 21, 1896, arriving in Sioux Falls on a special railroad train, Cody's huge cast opened the Tri-State Fair at this site. Historical scenes portrayed Indian attacks on an immigrant wagon train, a lonely settler's cabin, and a Deadwood stagecoach, and spectators cheered each time Cody saved the day by charging in and repulsing the attackers. Sharpshooter Annie Oakley demonstrated her uncanny expertise, and over 500 riders, including 100 Indian warriors, performed feats of showmanship on horseback. It was said that the whole countryside came to see Buffalo Bill, and over 25,000 thrill-seekers packed the three-hour afternoon and evening shows.