Royal Buffalo Hunt of 1872 to be recounted at Old Settlers Day

Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer, Russia’s Grand Duke Alexis, and William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, 1872.

Buffalo Center of the West

INDIANOLA, Neb. — On Saturday, Aug. 10, at 1 p.m., Nebraska author Jeff Barnes will present “Nebraska’s Royal Buffalo Hunt of 1872” at the Indianola Community Building. This free event, sponsored by the Indianola Historical Society and Humanities Nebraska, will delve into the historic meeting of Lt. Col. George Custer, Gen. Phil Sheridan, Grand Duke Alexis of Russia, and “Buffalo Bill” Cody.

Barnes, using newspaper accounts, photographs, and period images, will narrate the famous big game hunt that captivated the world. He will cover the visit of Custer, Sheridan, and the Grand Duke to Omaha, their journey across Nebraska via Union Pacific railroad, and their meeting with Cody in North Platte.

Barnes, a former newspaper reporter and editor, is an experienced author with several books on historical figures and events in the Great Plains. His notable works include “The Great Plains Guide to Buffalo Bill,” “The Great Plains Guide to Custer,” and his latest, “Forts of the Northern Plains.” He is actively involved in various historical societies and foundations, contributing significantly to preserving Nebraska’s rich history.