Though often overlooked by history books, women defined the American West. Whether they were performing mind-blowing stunts as a part of Buffalo Bill's Wild West like Annie Oakley, or braving the frontier with guns and horses, these women cemented their status as American icons — with some equally iconic photos to (cowboy) boot.
From cowgirls performing stunts to the legend — and even cooler reality — of Calamity Jane, here are 21 rowdy women from the wild, wild west.
1
Annie Oakley
Born in 1860, Annie Oakley was a legendary sharpshooter that performed with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West. Her shot was so precise that she, among other tricks, “could split a playing card held edge-on,” and “shot cigarettes from her husband’s lips,” per Encyclopædia Britannica.
2
“Cowgirls, Downtown Christoval, Texas, Circa 1900.”
3
“Lady Blandina Segale was an Italian nun in New Mexico around the 1870s. She once challenged Billy the Kid, calmed angry mobs, opened hospitals and schools in the state and a staunch advocate of Hispanics and Native Americans. She was known as ‘The Fastest Nun in the West.’”
4
A female sharpshooter poses with her gun, date unknown.
5
A performer with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West sits for a portrait, date unknown.
6
“A pioneer family in Nebraska, circa 1886.”
7
“Giuseppina Morlacchi - wife of Texas Jack and first lady of the American western. Born October 8, 1836.”
8
“My grandmothers, early 1930s.”
9
“African-American cowgirl Nellie Brown, and her horse. Circa 1900 - 1915.”
10
A female sharpshooter poses in what appears to be a promotional photo, date unknown.
11
Pearl Hart
Though Pearl Hart may have been born in Canada, she dominated the American West. As an outlaw, she was in and out of jail, facing time for several crimes including executing one of the last stagecoach robberies in recorded American history.
12
A female sharpshooter draws her gun, date unknown.
13
An unknown sharpshooter poses for a photo in what appears to be Marlette, Michigan, date unknown.
14
“Four cowgirls posing in front of a stagecoach for the 101 Ranch Show.”
15
Calamity Jane
Though the legend of Calamity Jane blurs together with the realities of Martha Jane Canary, she was a staple of the Wild West. An expert sharpshooter who performed with Buffalo Bill, she was not only known for her brash attitude and sporting men’s clothing, but also for serving as a nurse, including caring for those with Smallpox.
16
“Cowgirl from the old west 1886.”
17
“1940 Colorado cowgirls.”
18
"A Mesa Creek Valley rancher's daughter en route to school."
19
Rodeo cowgirls pose for a photo, circa 1920.
20
“My grandmothers, early 1930s.”
21
“Cowgirls Trick Ridin’ in Wichita Falls, Texas, 1921.”
22
Belle Starr
After getting her start fighting as a “bushwhacker” for the confederacy during the Civil War, Belle Starr was a notorious outlaw, earning the nickname of the “The Bandit Queen” before her mysterious death, which remains unsolved to this day.
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