Women have been a part of the wild west, ranching and farming culture for centuries. Hollywood has crafted an image of ladies in long dresses riding side saddle. In truth, settling the west, maintaining livestock, shooting, riding and running businesses was a family affair.
Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane traveled with Buffalo Bill in a road show where they entertained audiences with their shooting and riding skills. At the turn of the century, Mary Fields was the first African American mail carrier. Lucyle Garmes Richards was a rodeo star during the Great Depression. But there were many widows who ran ranches and cowgirls who worked alongside cowboys, and they too helped shape America.
Women have been a part of the wild west, ranching and farming culture for centuries. Hollywood has crafted an image of ladies in long dresses riding side saddle. In truth, settling the west, maintaining livestock, shooting, riding and running businesses was a family affair.
Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane traveled with Buffalo Bill in a road show where they entertained audiences with their shooting and riding skills. At the turn of the century, Mary Fields was the first African American mail carrier. Lucyle Garmes Richards was a rodeo star during the Great Depression. But there were many widows who ran ranches and cowgirls who worked alongside cowboys, and they too helped shape America.