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Bridge over Shoshone River, undated
To the west of Cody, the South and North Forks of the Stinking Water combine.
In 1902 the Legislature renamed the River as the Shoshone.
Bridge over Shoshone River, 1911
The river had been discovered and named in 1807-08 trapping expeditions on behalf of
Manuel de Lisa by John Colter. The river took its name of Stinking Water from the sulphurous
springs near Cody.
Pahaska Teepee, undated
In 1901 Col. Cody selected the site for the Pahaska Teepee 1 1/2 miles from the entrance
to Yellowstone Park. The hotel was located at the confluence of the North Fork of the Shoshone and
Middle Creek. Pahaska was an Indian name for Cody (see
Buffalo Bill). Construction did not start,
however, until 1903, with the construction along the North Fork of the Shoshone River of the "Cody Road" to Yellowstone.
The hotel was opened for business in 1904, although not completed until 1905.
Rates at the hotel were $3.00 a day or $15.00 a week. Amenities includes baths and a long distance
telephone.
On his 1916 inspection tour Park Service Director Mather was no more impressed with the
Pahaska that he was with the Irma. Albright later wrote:
Just before we reached the entrance to Yellowstone, Mather had us stop at
the Pahaska Lodge, also owned and operated by Buffalo Bill Cody. It turned out
to be just as bad as the Irma, if not worse. Lunch was one dollar, far too much
for the horrible, greasy, inedible food served by loud, boisterous, grimy, but glitzy
waitresses. Mather muttered to me, "Could Cody be operating a combination eating
place and brothel?" After studying the situation, he ordered us not to eat
a bite. He threw cash on the table (fifty cents per person) and stalked out, vowing to make the place change
or he'd close it.
Of course, he had no more jursidiction over the Pahaska than he
had over the Shoshone Dam, but if he decided to do something, it got done.
I had learned that much about Stephen Mather in the hear and a half I'd been
around him.
Earlier in the day, Mather wishing to inspect the Shoshone Dam, had ordered his
chauffeur to break off a padlock on the gate which impeded Director Mather's
inspection and had ordered a dam attendant to demolish unsightly buildings.
Photo Montage of Pahaska
Teepee, approx. 1911, by A. G. Lucier.
The automobile is a White steamer used to bring guests to the hotel from Cody.
The steam-powered automobile would leave daily from the Irma at noon and would arrive at
the Pahaska in time for dinner.
Cody expressed to Gordon Lillie, his partner in the Wild West show, that his only desire
was to be able to retire to the Pahaska. But because of his declining finances as,
Cody was able to visit the hotel only about six times before his death. In
1913, Cody hosted Albert, Prince of Monaco, at the Pahaska. Cody's health, as noted on the
previous page, had begun to deteriorate and he was no longer able to act as a
guide.
Hunting Party led by Col. Cody, 1907
Next Page: Cody Road Continued, Holm Lodge, Tex Holm, Ned Frost.
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