The Forgotten Cowgirls: Women Who Tamed the Frontier

The Forgotten Cowgirls: Women Who Tamed the Frontier

Darren - July 15, 2025

The American West is often portrayed as a rugged land ruled by daring cowboys and legendary outlaws. Yet, this image overlooks the courageous women who were just as vital in shaping the frontier. These forgotten cowgirls defied social norms, braved harsh conditions, and played indispensable roles in their communities. From riding herd to defending homesteads, their stories challenge the one-sided narrative of a male-dominated West. It’s time to rediscover the women whose grit and ingenuity helped build the very foundation of frontier life.

1. Calamity Jane: The Fearless Frontierswoman

The Forgotten Cowgirls: Women Who Tamed the Frontier
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Few figures capture the raw spirit of the West like Calamity Jane, born Martha Jane Cannary. Renowned for her sharpshooting and fearless scouting, she often rode alongside men—sometimes outshining them. While legends often pair her with Wild Bill Hickok, Jane’s own exploits and acts of compassion set her apart. She nursed the sick during smallpox outbreaks and helped struggling families, earning respect across the frontier. Discover more about her remarkable life at Smithsonian Magazine.

2. Annie Oakley: The Sure-Shot Superstar

The Forgotten Cowgirls: Women Who Tamed the Frontier
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Annie Oakley rose from humble beginnings to become a global sensation in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. Her legendary marksmanship dazzled crowds and shattered stereotypes, proving women could excel in the male-dominated world of shooting. Oakley didn’t just perform—she advocated for women’s empowerment by teaching marksmanship and encouraging self-reliance. Unlike many of her male contemporaries, Annie’s fame opened doors for other women in the West. Learn more about her extraordinary journey at History.com.

3. Lucille Mulhall: The Original Rodeo Queen

The Forgotten Cowgirls: Women Who Tamed the Frontier
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Lucille Mulhall earned her place in history as one of America’s first true “cowgirls.” Known for her daring trick riding and rodeo skills, Lucille routinely outperformed male competitors in the arena, shattering expectations about women’s abilities on horseback. Her fearless performances helped redefine the image of women in the West. Discover more about her groundbreaking career at The Oklahoma Historical Society.

4. Mary Fields: Stagecoach Mary’s Trailblazing Journey

The Forgotten Cowgirls: Women Who Tamed the Frontier
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Mary Fields, famously known as “Stagecoach Mary,” defied the odds to become the first African American woman star route mail carrier in the United States. Renowned for her unyielding toughness and reliability, she braved Montana’s treacherous trails, undaunted by weather, wild animals, or would-be thieves. Fields earned respect in a world where few women—let alone women of color—were accepted. Discover her remarkable story at Smithsonian Magazine.

5. Pearl Hart: The Outlaw Cowgirl

The Forgotten Cowgirls: Women Who Tamed the Frontier
Dressed in rugged attire, Pearl Hart stands confidently beside a halted stagecoach, embodying the daring spirit of a legendary female outlaw. | Photo by Unknown (Unknown) on Wikimedia Commons

Pearl Hart made headlines as one of the few women to rob a stagecoach in the Old West. Her bold crime and subsequent sensational trial captivated the nation, challenging perceptions about women’s roles in society. Hart’s story highlighted the shifting boundaries of what women could do—and dared to do—on the frontier. Read more about her daring exploits at Legends of America.

6. Josie Bassett: The Cattle Queen with Outlaw Ties

The Forgotten Cowgirls: Women Who Tamed the Frontier
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Josie Bassett carved out a legendary life on her family’s remote ranch near the border of Utah and Colorado. She was known for her friendship with members of Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch, providing them food and shelter when needed. Despite hardships, Josie thrived in the unforgiving landscape, running cattle, raising her children, and fiercely defending her independence. Explore her remarkable resilience at Dinosaur National Monument.

7. Laura Ingalls Wilder: Chronicler of Frontier Resilience

The Forgotten Cowgirls: Women Who Tamed the Frontier
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Laura Ingalls Wilder brought the spirit of frontier women to life through her beloved Little House books. Her vivid storytelling documented not just the hardships, but also the ingenuity and perseverance required to survive on the American frontier. Wilder’s writing has shaped generations’ understanding of pioneer life, giving voice to women’s daily struggles and triumphs. Learn more about her enduring impact at PBS American Experience.

8. Belle Starr: The Bandit Queen

The Forgotten Cowgirls: Women Who Tamed the Frontier
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Belle Starr, often called the “Bandit Queen,” lived a life steeped in notoriety and intrigue. Her associations with infamous outlaws and daring escapades made her a Wild West legend. Over time, Belle’s story blurred the lines between fact and myth, cementing her place in Western folklore. Discover how her legend endures in American history at Encyclopaedia Britannica.

9. Etta Place: The Mysterious Sidekick

The Forgotten Cowgirls: Women Who Tamed the Frontier
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Etta Place remains one of the most enigmatic women of the Old West. As the companion of the Sundance Kid, her life was shrouded in intrigue and speculation. Historians still debate her background and ultimate fate, adding to her mysterious legacy. Delve into the enduring mystery of Etta Place at History.com.

10. Kitty Canutt: Champion Bronc Rider

The Forgotten Cowgirls: Women Who Tamed the Frontier
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Kitty Canutt blazed a trail in rodeo history as a champion bronc rider and fearless competitor. Her pioneering achievements opened doors for women in a sport long dominated by men, inspiring future generations of female rodeo athletes. Kitty’s legacy lives on in the world of women’s rodeo. Discover more about her remarkable influence at ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

11. Carrie Nation: The Hatchet-Wielding Crusader

The Forgotten Cowgirls: Women Who Tamed the Frontier
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Carrie Nation carved out a unique niche in Western history as a fierce temperance activist. Armed with her notorious hatchet, she stormed saloons, smashed liquor barrels, and openly challenged lawmen. Nation’s unconventional blend of activism and frontier grit made her both feared and admired. Learn more about her extraordinary crusade at Encyclopaedia Britannica.

12. The Harvey Girls: Unsung Heroines of Hospitality

The Forgotten Cowgirls: Women Who Tamed the Frontier
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

The Harvey Girls transformed the wild, dusty railroad towns of the West with their grace and professionalism. Serving as waitresses along the Santa Fe Railroad, these women brought a sense of refinement and order to otherwise unruly outposts. Beyond hospitality, they helped build stable communities, leaving a legacy that often goes unrecognized. Read more about their cultural impact at Smithsonian Magazine.

13. Sally Skull: Texas Cattlewoman and Horse Trader

The Forgotten Cowgirls: Women Who Tamed the Frontier
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Sally Skull carved out a formidable reputation as a savvy cattlewoman and horse trader in Texas. Renowned for her sharp business sense and unmatched horsemanship, she drove cattle across rugged terrain during and after the Civil War. Sally’s fearless leadership and independence set her apart in a male-dominated industry. Learn more about her extraordinary life at Texas State Historical Association.

14. Gertrude Tompkins: The Aviator of the Western Skies

The Forgotten Cowgirls: Women Who Tamed the Frontier
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Gertrude Tompkins soared into history as one of the few female pilots in the WWII-era Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Her service exemplified courage and skill, but her story remains shrouded in mystery due to her unexplained disappearance during a flight in 1944. Discover more about her pioneering legacy at The National WWII Museum.

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