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African American Women of the Old West: Pioneers, Trailblazers, and Legends

José Saramago

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The Old West is often portrayed as a time of rugged individualism and male dominance, but the truth is that women played a vital role in shaping this era. And among these women, African American women faced unique challenges and made extraordinary contributions.

African American Women of the Old West

by Tricia Martineau Wagner

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	170 pages

Here are just a few of the stories of these remarkable women:

Pioneers

Mary Fields was born a slave in Tennessee in 1832. After the Civil War, she moved to Montana, where she worked as a stagecoach driver, mail carrier, and restaurant owner. She was known for her strength, courage, and determination, and she became a legend in her own time.

Elizabeth Piper Ensley was another African American pioneer who left a lasting legacy in the Old West. Born in Kentucky in 1849, Ensley moved to Kansas with her family after the Civil War. She and her husband homesteaded a claim on the Great Plains, where they raised a family and became successful farmers.

Trailblazers

In addition to being pioneers, many African American women also blazed new trails in the Old West. Cattle Annie and Little Britches were two such women. Born in Texas in the 1870s, they were orphaned at a young age and were forced to fend for themselves. They became outlaws, robbing trains and stagecoaches, but they were also known for their generosity and their willingness to help those in need.

Stagecoach Mary was another African American trailblazer. Born in Missouri in 1854, she worked as a stagecoach driver in the Rocky Mountains. She was known for her skill as a driver and her fearless spirit.

Cowgirls

Many African American women also worked as cowgirls in the Old West. They rode horses, herded cattle, and roped steers alongside their male counterparts. One such woman was Luzena Stanley. Born in Texas in 1856, Stanley was a skilled cowgirl and ranch owner. She was also a successful businesswoman and community leader.

Another African American cowgirl was Mary Tyler. Born in Mississippi in 1869, Tyler worked as a cowgirl on the Cheyenne and Arapaho Reservation in Oklahoma. She was known for her riding skills and her ability to handle wild horses.

Outlaws

A few African American women also turned to a life of crime in the Old West. One such woman was Belle Starr. Born in Missouri in 1848, Starr was a notorious outlaw who robbed banks and stagecoaches. She was also known for her beauty and her fiery temper.

Another African American outlaw was Myra Maybelle Shirley. Born in Texas in 1877, Shirley was a member of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. She participated in several robberies and shootouts, and she was known for her quick wit and her ability to outsmart her pursuers.

Law Enforcement Officers

Despite the challenges they faced, some African American women also served as law enforcement officers in the Old West. One such woman was Bass Reeves. Born in Tennessee in 1838, Reeves was a deputy U.S. marshal in Indian Territory for over 30 years. He was known for his bravery, his tracking skills, and his ability to capture criminals.

Another African American law enforcement officer was Cathay Williams. Born in Texas in 1874, Williams was a deputy sheriff in San Antonio. She was known for her courage and her determination to fight crime, even when it put her own life at risk.

Legacy

The African American women of the Old West were a diverse and resilient group of women who made significant contributions to the history of the American West. They were pioneers, trailblazers, cowgirls, outlaws, and law enforcement officers. They faced challenges and made sacrifices, but they also left a lasting legacy of courage, determination, and strength.

We can all learn from their stories and their example. They remind us that anything is possible, no matter the challenges we face. They also remind us that the American West was a place where people from all walks of life could make a new start and forge a new destiny.

African American Women of the Old West

by Tricia Martineau Wagner

4.8 out of 5