Buffalo Bill at the Torture Stake, or, a Close Call among the Utes by Prentiss Ingraham is a fast-paced, action-driven adventure novel set in the American West during the late 19th century. The story follows the legendary figure of Buffalo Bill Cody as he encounters danger, conflict, and intrigue while navigating the rugged landscapes inhabited by the Ute people. True to the style of dime novels popular in the era, Ingraham’s work blends thrilling escapades with sensationalized portrayals of frontier life, Native Americans, and the challenges of westward expansion.
The narrative centers on a dramatic episode in which Buffalo Bill faces capture and peril while traversing Ute territory, providing a “close call” that tests his courage, ingenuity, and survival skills. Ingraham uses suspense, vivid descriptions of the mountainous terrain, and high-stakes encounters to engage readers, creating a story designed to entertain while evoking the romance and danger of the western frontier.
While the novel draws on the fame of Buffalo Bill and the mythos of the West, it reflects the cultural attitudes and stereotypes of its time, particularly in its portrayal of Native Americans, which often emphasizes conflict and danger over historical accuracy or nuance. As such, it offers modern readers insight not only into the popular imagination of the West but also into the ways Utes and other Indigenous peoples were represented in 19th-century popular literature.
Buffalo Bill at the Torture Stake remains a notable example of the dime novel tradition, illustrating the combination of adventure, sensationalism, and historical setting that captivated audiences of the period. It appeals to readers interested in Western adventure stories, the legend of Buffalo Bill, and the portrayal of Native Americans in early American popular culture.