Women who lived in the 19th century, in the western states had to grow up to be tough. There were limited options for women in the 19th century. Women were generally confined to traditional roles. School teacher, wife, mother or possibility cooking or cleaning jobs were the acceptable role expected of women. But some women, like Calamity Jane, had to learn to shoot, ride horses and defend themselves. They had to learn to be as rough and tough as the men in the West in order to survive.
Calamity Jane
Calamity Jane was born May 1, 1852, as Martha Jane Cannary. Her parents were Robert and Charlotte Cannary, and she was the eldest of six children. Her parents were a rather rough and hard-living couple who moved the family from place to place looking for work. They died when Martha Jane was still very young, only 12 years old. Martha Jane was quickly forced into doing whatever she could to survive and keep the family together. As she grew into a tall, stocky woman, she often did the work that men usually performed.
The Legend of Calamity Jane
She moved to Deadwood, South Dakota, and this is when the legend of Calamity Jane really began. Here, she met Wild Bill Hickok, and rumors flew that they were romantically involved, although this is questionable. She worked, dressed, swore, and drank just like the men did. She worked as an army scout and was a sharpshooter with a rifle. Soon, Martha became known as Calamity Jane and became a Western legend. She made history by touring with Buffalo Bill’s famous Wild West Show in 1895, showcasing her sharpshooting skills. In 1901, The Buffalo Bill Wild West show appeared in Buffalo, New York at the Pan-American Exposition. The Pan American Exposition was opened by Vice President Theodore Roosevelt. The Exposition was in many ways analogous to the World’s Fair. One of its attractions was the Indian exhibits. These showcased TeePees and the sharpshooting Buffalo Bill Wild West show.
Calamity Jane was quite a character of the old wild west. How much of her legend is true is debatable because Calamity Jane was a known storyteller. Her tales were often not just colorful but highly exaggerated. Martha Jane’s legacy taught women that they were capable of more than being cast in traditional roles.
Calamity Jane, despite her fame, I believe, did not have a very happy or easy life. Calamity Jane was a heavy drinker and died an early death. She is buried next to Wild Bill Hickok in Deadwood, South Dakota.
History Lovers Corner 