The “Wild West” is often known for the famous men that traversed its landscapes, but it is also home to a legion of trailblazing women, who pushed boundaries and pushed the limits of what was considered possible at a time when the expectations of society were so oppressive. These unsung heroes deserve to be remembered and celebrated, and this article seeks to tell the stories of these phenomenal women who tested the boundaries of the status quo and wielded extraordinary influence on the frontier.
1. Breaking the Mold: Exploring the Lives of Women on the Frontier
From the expansion of the earliest American settlements through the late 1800s, woman on the frontier challenged, and often defied common gender roles of the day. Braving rough terrain, difficult weather, and a new environment, women alongside men carved out this new world, and with it, a unique role in society.
- Value of Skills – During this time, the skills traditionally associated with women were essential for survival. As such, women were an important part of the homesteading, managing the household and providing meals utilizing resources available from the land.
- Contributions to Community – Women on the frontier played an active role in the community. Beyond their role in the home, they also broke into male-dominated professions and found successful jobs as merchants, doctors, and schoolteachers.
- Multi-dimensional Identities – These women weren’t just homemakers, despite the popular image of frontier society. Widows, or female heads of households, often assumed roles traditionally expected of male relatives, negotiating with government representatives and business owners.
The most visible of these women, like Calamity Jane, better known for being an outlaw, were more than just troublemakers. They figured out how to get ahead in life, and found great success at it. In the mining towns of the west, entrepreneurs found an opportunity to make money. Women like Mary Fields opened up restaurants and freight wagons in order to make a living.
Frontier women prided themselves on being self-reliant and proving that they could exist and thrive on their own despite the obstacles they faced. They demonstrated a kind of grit that was often unrecognized in the broader society.
The impact made by these female pioneers has been largely overlooked in the narrative of frontier life. Women were able to make a lasting impact in the face of tremendous odds and often established the strength and determination that made living on the frontier possible.
2. Celebrating Frontier Women’s Achievements in Shaping the West
- Elizabeth Custer was the wife of General George Armstrong Custer, but she was also a leader in her own right. As a popular lecturer and author, Elizabeth promoted a positive image of Custer and the U.S. Cavalry. Custer’s lecture tours helped to raise funds for the widows and children of the casualties of the Little Bighorn battle, and her book, Tenting on the Plains, was considered a classic of Western literature.
- Calamity Jane was an American Frontier woman, known as a sharpshooter and horsewoman. A consummate storyteller, she told tales of her adventures, although some of them were exaggerated. Calamity Jane also helped settle Deadwood Gulch in what is now South Dakota, and she was an advocate for female rights in the West. Her legacy is celebrated in American lore to this day.
- Mary Fields, also known as “Stagecoach Mary,” was a Black woman who was an early pioneer in the nineteenth-century American West. She was one of the first female African American business owners in Montana, and she was hired as the “star route” mail carrier between two remote towns. She was a self-reliant, strong-willed, and independent woman who paved the way for other women.
- Julia Bulette was a noblewoman of the American West. A prominent businesswoman, she owned a gambling house in Virginia City, Nevada, where she supported miners and local families with her work. Bulette was an advocate for gender equality in an era and area where that was an uncommon thing. Her legacy continues to serve as an example for generations of brave women.
- Elizabeth Taylor Maxwell was an American businesswoman of the nineteenth century who traveled to California in search of gold. She eventually made her fortune, eventually amassing over a hundred thousand acres of land. Taylor Maxwell was the wealthiest woman in the originally-named state of Jefferson who served as a local representative in the 1851 state convention. She blazed a path for female business leaders in the West.
- Sarah Bemus was a bear hunter, a hunter of any length-of-fur, and an adventurer of the far West. She was an independent woman who lived a solitary life and eked out a living. Bemus traversed the West for over a decade and was an esteemed member of the Oregon Fur Trappers Association. She flew in the face of gender norms, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and live life on their own terms.
These women of the American West all stand out as shining examples of female empowerment, showing that through courage and tenacity anyone can do what they set out to do. They were innovators and entrepreneurs, adventurers and trailblazers. They challenged nineteenth-century gender roles and left an indelible mark on the history of the West. These women’s stories serve as powerful reminders that nothing is impossible if you are willing to fight for your dreams and strive to be the best you can be.
3. Uncovering the Stories behind the Trailblazing Women of the Frontier
The history of women and their various achievements on the American frontier is often overlooked. It’s time to show those women the respect and admiration they deserve:
- Sacagawea – She was a Shoshone guide, interpreter, and de facto symbol of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. She showed the courage and resourcefulness needed for her survival and that of the expedition.
- Calamity Jane – She was a sharp shooting stagecoach driver, shootist and all-around mysterious figure. Her personal life was a whirlwind and her exploits transcended legend.
- Sarah Winnemucca – As a member of the Spanish Band of the Northern Paiute tribe, she was an outspoken advocate for Native American rights and freedoms. Her story is one of courage, perseverance, and resilience.
- Anne Bailey – She was known as the “Peacemaker” for her efforts to keep the peace between Native Americans, settlers, and the federal government. Her example is one of peacemaking, diplomacy, and problem solving.
- Juana Briones – One of the first female land owners in California, she was a fearless rancher. She was also known for her considerable charity and for her work to better the lives of those around her.
These incredible women endured extreme hardship and adversity throughout their lives, yet still managed to make significant contributions to their communities and the growth of the American West. It is only right that we recognize their stories and the impact they had in opening up the frontier for generations to come.
4. Defying Boundaries: The Impact of Frontier Women Today
Throughout history, women have faced a multitude of limitations and forms of discrimination. In spite of these boundaries, women who lived on the American frontier pushed the envelope and accomplished incredible feats in an effort to build a better life for their families and communities. Even now, their legacies live on, inspiring other women to dream big and reach for the stars.
Breaching the Gender Divide
Women on the frontier helped to blur the lines of what was and wasn’t possible for females. In roles such as doctors, ranchers, engineers and miners, they demonstrated that they were fully capable of filling whatever role was necessary for the sake of their communities. Despite stigma and gender-based discrimination in the workplace, they were unafraid to speak up and take charge – a trait that continues to inspire women today.
Achieving Financial Security
Women on the frontier not only helped to bridge financial and workplace gaps, but they also paved the way for true financial freedom. From keeping the family accounts to running a successful business, these women often took the reins when it came to managing the finances of family and community alike. Moreover, they proved that success and ingenuity weren’t limited by gender, and that women were just as capable of achieving financial independence as men.
Equal Access To Education
On the frontier, access to education was not just equal – it was often favored for women. With the help of missionary schools, a variety of home schooling options were made available to pioneers living on the fringes of civilization. This opened doors for women in terms of obtaining the knowledge they needed to succeed in whatever field they chose. Thanks to these efforts, the level of education available to females on the frontier was far superior to that of their predecessors, allowing them to gain a much needed foothold in a variety of disciplines.
Leaders in Their Communities
The legacy of the brave and determined women who lived on the American frontier is felt throughout society to this day. Whether through educational achievement, financial success or leadership roles in family and community, their impact is undeniable. They serve as shining examples of what can be achieved when courage and determination trump limitations and injustice.
One thing is certain: the women of the frontier will remain a powerful source of inspiration for years to come.
The path to equality has been a long and arduous journey, and the many trailblazing women have courageously defied the boundaries and made significant strides in the face of adversity. These women are not only brave, but they also stand as a testament to the power of perseverance, ingenuity, and optimism that will continue to break boundaries and free the brave and determined women of the frontier.
