Smith Mansion - Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway Photograph by Susan Rissi Tregoning

Smith Mansion - Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway

by Susan Rissi Tregoning

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Title

Smith Mansion - Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway

Artist

Susan Rissi Tregoning

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Perched on a hill with a commanding view of Wapiti Valley, the eccentric Smith Mansion stands along the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, nestled between Cody, Wyoming, and Yellowstone National Park.

Francis Lee Smith, a Cody native and 1967 University of Montana architecture graduate, embarked on constructing this unique multi-story log house in 1971. He meticulously built it by hand, utilizing unclaimed timber from the 1952 Rattlesnake Mountain wildfire. He selected this hilltop location, believing it to be the geographic heart of Wapiti Valley, and envisioned his creation as an homage to the North Fork Mountains.

The expansive five-story log house is characterized by seemingly random staircases, precarious balconies, and shattered windows. Despite its lack of modern amenities such as electricity, running water, air conditioning, or gas—relying solely on a small wood-burning fireplace for heat—the house was home to Smith, his wife, and their two children. Smith's dedication only grew stronger after his wife divorced him in 1980 due to his obsession with the house's construction. He added more winding rooms with unique features like elk antlers and metal scrap containers. Smith often worked at great heights without safety gear.

Tragically, on April 25th, 1992, while working on an upper balcony, a section of timber came loose, causing him to fall about 20 feet, resulting in instant death. His daughter maintained the property for many years until its sale in 2019.

Locals have given this solitary and dilapidated structure various names; some call it the Smith Mansion or Pagoda House, while others refer to it less kindly as the Crazy House. Travelers through Wapiti Valley can easily spot this distinctive edifice perched prominently along the south side of Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway.

Copyright 2024 Susan Rissi Tregoning

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September 30th, 2024

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