THE IRMA HOTEL IN CODY
Established by Buffalo Bill Cody, the Irma has been a symbol of neighborliness and good cheer where people could relax and be themselves for over 100 years. Everyone from Colonel Cody, to princes and potentates, Indian chiefs and cowboys “came as they were” to the Irma.
The hotel was opened to the public on November 1, 1902. A grand opening celebration followed on November 18 (see original invitation below). Buffalo Bill spent $80,000 in 1902 dollars on construction costs. He named the hotel for his youngest daughter Irma, born February 9, 1886.. Everyone from Colonel Cody, to princes and potentates, Indian chiefs and cowboys “came as they were” to the Irma.
Cody stayed in the hotel frequently when he returned from his Wild West Show tours. His personality and fame kept the Irma packed when he was in town. Cody’s original two suites have been restored and are available to guests. As well as all the other Irma suites have been restored and named after Cody Country pioneers, such as Jakie Schwoob; an early retailer, and Caroline Lockhart; a newspaperwoman and novelist. The Irma is listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service in recognition of its contribution to the cultural foundations of America. The Irma’s famous cherrywood bar, a gift from Queen Victoria, dates to the period of construction and is one of the most photographed features in all of Cody. The original part of the hotel was built for Buffalo Bill in 1902. The northwest addition was constructed in 1929, and the southwest addition was added in 1976-1977.