Cody, Wyoming | Wyoming Attractions

Named for its famous promoter, William Buffalo Bill Cody, this little city was originally named Richland when George T. Beck established the post office in 1895. Prior to that, it was the homestead of Otto Franc, a wealthy Prussian rancher who may have helped finance the Johnson County War. Incorporated in 1901, the year that the Burlington railroad arrived, the trains brought curious visitors to Cowboy Town, which was the eastern gateway to nearby Yellowstone.

Cody, Beck, and Horace C. Alger were responsible for developing the Shoshone Land and Irrigation Company, which brought water and agricultural prosperity to Cody and its environs. The region quickly became populated with both farmers and business people, hoping to capitalize off of Codys name and Yellowstones proximity. The famous National Park is not the only scenic marvel nearby. Cody is surrounded by the Beartooth and Absaroka Mountains, as well as Sunlight Basin and the Wapiti Valley.

In 1904, oil was discovered near Cody, and Park County went on to become the second biggest oil producer in the state. Marathon Oil Company is the towns largest employer, but tourism and agriculture continue to be significant moneymakers.