Cody was founded in 1901 by Col. “William F. Buffalo Bill” Cody after he was impressed by its scenery, hunting and development possibilities, according to the city’s web site. Since then its population has grown to about 9,400 and it still attracts tourists to its natural beauty and proximity to Yellowstone.
The small tourist town is located in the Northwest part of the state and is home to many UW students.
Aaron Enriquez, who is a Swiss, Spanish and Chilean citizen, born in Santiago, Chile, moved to Cody in 2002. He is about to become a U.S. citizen. His friend and roommate, Jack Caulton, was born in Newcastle, England, and moved to Cody in 2009. Both now call the small city home.
Adjusting from foreign countries to Cody was easy for both Caulton and Enriquez. “I fit right in and it was easy to make new friends,” Enriquez said. Wyoming people are generally nice and welcoming, Caulton said.
Enriquez says his favorite aspect of Cody is its beauty. Heart, Cedar, Rattlesnake and Carter mountains surround the town, he said.
Caulton’s favorite part of Cody is the availability of outdoor activities, which are not as plentiful in England.
Despite all of its positives, Caulton and Enriquez said that Cody has a small town feel, which can be frustrating at times. “The altitude and the cold weather kill me,” Caulton said.
Enriquez said the ties to Buffalo Bill are historic and notable aspects of Cody. It boasts historical significance as well as modern significance, he said.
The Buffalo Bill museum and the Irma Motel are some notable landmarks in Cody.
Caulton said the most notable thing about Cody is its proximity to Yellowstone National Park. “I’ve been to Yellowstone five times and I’ve still never seen a bear,” Caulton said.
Cody boasts some exciting activities, sadly only some are known to locals. Enriquez and Caulton both agree that the cliff jumping at the Buffalo Bill Reservoir is a fun summer pastime.
“Cody is a great place, if you haven’t been, go and see it. It is truly a remarkable town,” Enriquez said.
