Names Of Famous Cowgirls

Cowgirls have long been celebrated for their courage, grit, and undeniable charm. These trailblazing women have etched their names in the annals of history, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate us. From roping and riding to daring feats of country living, these cowgirls embody the spirit of the Wild West. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most famous cowgirls of all time.

1. Annie Oakley:

The name Annie Oakley is synonymous with sharpshooting excellence. Born Phoebe Ann Moses, this incredible cowgirl mesmerized audiences across the globe with her incredible marksmanship skills. Known as “Little Sure Shot,” Oakley shattered gender norms and became a symbol of female empowerment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

2. Calamity Jane:

A true frontier legend, Calamity Jane captivated the imagination of many through her daring adventures and unbridled spirit. Born Martha Jane Canary, she earned her place in history as a skilled scout, fearless rider, and loyal friend. Her larger-than-life persona and unwavering bravery have made her an enduring symbol of the Wild West.

3. Lucille Mulhall:

Often referred to as the “First Lady of Rodeo,” Lucille Mulhall was a trailblazer in the world of Western riding. This talented cowgirl became the first woman to compete against men in rodeo events, challenging traditional gender roles and showcasing her remarkable equestrian skills. Mulhall’s influence on the rodeo world and her relentless pursuit of excellence continue to inspire generations of cowgirls.

These are just a few of the remarkable cowgirls who have left an indelible mark on history. Their bravery, tenacity, and unwavering spirit continue to inspire us to push boundaries and embrace our own inner cowgirl.

Famous Cowgirls’ Names

Here are some famous cowgirls who made a name for themselves in the wild west:

These are just a few of the many incredible cowgirls who left their mark on the history of the American West.

Annie Oakley

Annie Oakley was a famous sharpshooter and exhibition shooter. She was born on August 13, 1860, in Darke County, Ohio. Annie Oakley’s real name was Phoebe Ann Mosey. She learned to shoot at a young age and quickly gained a reputation for her accuracy and skill.

Annie Oakley was known for her performances with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. She would often shoot targets while riding a horse or standing on her head. Her incredible marksmanship and showmanship made her a popular attraction.

Annie Oakley was also an advocate for women’s rights. She believed that women were capable of doing anything men could do and worked to prove it. She taught many women to shoot and encouraged them to pursue their own passions and careers.

Throughout her life, Annie Oakley faced many challenges and overcame them with grace and determination. She was a role model for many women and continues to be remembered for her contributions to the world of shooting and entertainment.

Calamity Jane

Martha Jane Canary, better known as Calamity Jane, was a legendary American frontierswoman and professional scout known for her wild and adventurous spirit. She gained fame for her skills as a horse rider, gunfighter, and for her role in the Wild West shows of the late 19th century.

Calamity Jane was born in Missouri in 1852 and grew up in the rugged Wild West. She was known for her rough and tumble lifestyle, often dressing in men’s clothing and participating in traditionally male activities. She worked as a scout for the US Army during the Indian Wars and was known for her bravery and sharpshooting skills.

Despite her rough exterior, Calamity Jane was also known for her kindness and compassion, particularly towards children and those in need. She was known to have a generous heart and would often contribute to charitable causes in her later years.

Calamity Jane’s life has been the subject of many books, films, and television shows, further fueling her legendary status. She remains an icon of the American West and a symbol of independence, strength, and resilience.

Belle Starr

Belle Starr, also known as “The Bandit Queen,” was a famous cowgirl and outlaw in the 19th century. Born on February 5, 1848, in Carthage, Missouri, she became known for her involvement in horse theft, bootlegging, and robbery.

Starr was known for her flamboyant style, often wearing feathers and carrying pearl-handled pistols. Her charm and wit made her popular, and she had many admirers, including some notorious outlaws of the time.

However, Belle Starr’s involvement in criminal activities eventually caught up with her. She was shot and killed on February 3, 1889, at the age of 41. Her death remains a mystery, and her legacy as a legendary cowgirl and outlaw lives on.

Pearl Hart

Pearl Hart was a famous cowgirl in the late 1800s. She was born on June 15, 1871, in Lindsay, Canada, but she is best known for her exploits in the American Old West. Hart was known for her rugged independence and her willingness to break societal norms to pursue her dreams.

One of Hart’s most famous feats came in 1899 when she and a male companion, Joe Boot, decided to rob a stagecoach. This made her one of the only known female stagecoach robbers in history. Their plan was successful, and they made off with a substantial amount of money.

However, their criminal career was short-lived. They were soon captured and brought to trial. Hart’s gender made her a bit of a celebrity in the media, and her trial attracted significant attention. Despite her attempt to portray herself as a victim of circumstance, Hart was found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison.

After serving her time, Hart continued to live a colorful life. She performed in Wild West shows, worked as a seamstress, and even dabbled in acting. She eventually settled in Arizona, where she lived out the rest of her days.

Pearl Hart’s story remains a fascinating chapter in the history of cowgirls. Despite her criminal actions, Hart’s determination and fearlessness have made her a legendary figure in the American Old West.

Dale Evans

Dale Evans, born Frances Octavia Smith, was an American actress, singer, and writer. She is best known for her role as Dale Evans in the television series “The Roy Rogers Show”.

Evans was born on October 31, 1912, in Uvalde, Texas. She began her career as a singer, performing in local radio stations. In 1947, she married Roy Rogers, a famous singing cowboy and actor, and they became one of the most beloved duos of the Western genre. They appeared in more than 30 films together. Evans also wrote songs for many of their movies.

In addition to her acting and singing career, Evans was an author. She wrote several books, including her autobiography “Angel Unaware”, which detailed her experiences as the mother of a child with Down syndrome. The book became a best-seller and brought awareness to the condition.

Evans and Rogers were also known for their philanthropic work. They established the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum in California, which showcased their memorabilia and Western artifacts. They were also involved in various charitable causes, especially those related to children.

Dale Evans passed away on February 7, 2001, in Apple Valley, California. Her contributions to the Western genre and her dedication to humanitarian causes continue to inspire and resonate with fans around the world.

Lucille Mulhall

Lucille Mulhall was one of the most famous cowgirls in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on October 21, 1885, in St. Louis, Missouri, Mulhall became an accomplished horsewoman and performer at a young age.

She began performing in Wild West shows at the age of 14, where she showcased her skills in roping, riding, and trick riding. Mulhall’s talents and charisma quickly gained her popularity, and she became one of the main attractions of the Miller Brothers’ 101 Ranch Wild West Show.

Lucille Mulhall was known for her daring stunts, such as riding her horse backward and performing dangerous tricks while standing on a galloping horse’s back. She was also a skilled roper and could catch a running steer with ease. Her performances captivated audiences across the United States and Europe.

A true trailblazer, Mulhall paved the way for future generations of female rodeo performers and cowgirls. She shattered gender norms and proved that women could excel in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Lucille Mulhall’s legacy continues to inspire and empower women in the world of rodeo and western sports. She was posthumously inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 1975, cementing her place in history as one of the greatest cowgirls of all time.

Mabel Strickland

Mabel Strickland was a renowned cowgirl from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. She was born in Texas and grew up working on her family’s ranch, developing a deep love and understanding of horses and cattle.

Strickland was known for her exceptional skills in roping and riding. She could effortlessly control wild horses and was often called upon to break and train them. Her signature move was the “Strickland Stomp,” where she would ride a bucking bronco while performing a lively dance on its back.

Aside from her rodeo performances, Strickland was also a talented sharpshooter. She participated in several shooting competitions and consistently displayed remarkable accuracy and speed.

Strickland became a symbol of independence and strength for many women during a time when female cowgirls were not widely recognized. She paved the way for future generations of cowgirls and served as an inspiration for countless young girls who aspired to lead unconventional lives.

Fannie Sperry Steele

Fannie Sperry Steele was a legendary cowgirl and rodeo performer. Born on August 20, 1887, in Bozeman, Montana, she began her rodeo career at a young age and quickly gained fame for her exceptional riding skills.

Steele participated in numerous rodeo events, including bronc riding, steer roping, and barrel racing. She was known for her fearless and daring riding style, often earning top scores and prizes in competitions.

Steele’s accomplishments in the rodeo world made her a trailblazer for women in the sport. She competed against men and was often the only female rider in the competitions. Her success inspired many young girls to pursue their own dreams in rodeo and other traditionally male-dominated sports.

Steele’s career spanned over four decades, during which she traveled extensively and performed in rodeos across the United States and Canada. She was known for her showmanship and charisma, captivating audiences with her riding skills and entertaining performances.

In addition to her rodeo career, Steele also had a successful ranching business and was an advocate for preserving Western heritage and traditions. She was inducted into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1975.

Fannie Sperry Steele’s legacy as a pioneering cowgirl and rodeo performer continues to inspire and empower women in the world of rodeo. Her contributions to the sport and her dedication to preserving Western heritage make her an iconic figure in cowgirl history.