In the days of the Wild West, the men of the frontier were seen as the courageous heroes of the era. However, they were often assisted by the strong and brave women whose roles were no less integral to the taming of the West. By exploring the histories of these lesser-known figures, we can recognize the tremendous amount of hard work and dedication these women displayed while helping to conquer the perilous frontiers and secure a place in American history. Join us as we examine the unsung heroes of the West: the women of the frontier.
1. The Overlooked Pioneering Women of the West
The history of the American West is often told with notable figures like George Custer, Wyatt Earp, and Annie Oakley at the forefront. In the reenactment of those western classic tales, these iconic names overshadow a set of courageous women who were trailblazers in their own right.
- Belle Stewart: Belle Stewart was an African American cowgirl who worked for “Cattle Kate” in Wyoming just before the turn of the 20th century. Stewart was a skilled horsewoman and was largely responsible for the success of Cattle Kate’s business, but unfortunately, her importance was often overlooked.
- Lottie Deno: Born in 1844, Lottie Deno’s story begins in 1868, when she won a poker game and ended up with a saloon in Fort Griffin, Texas. She quickly became a master at the game of poker, leading to her becoming one of the well-known gamblers of the old west.
- Mary Elizabeth Jane Bemis: Mary Elizabeth Jane Bemis, more commonly known as “Calamity Jane,” was a Western frontier figure who was widely known for her hunting and gambling exploits. She was a fearless explorer who traveled extensively throughout the west, and despite her notoriety, she was a passionate advocate for women’s rights and social justice.
- Josephine Sarah Marcus: Born in 1844, Josephine Sarah Marcus left New York in the late 1860s to pursue the adventure of the American West. She tried her hand at a number of occupations, including acting, and eventually married Wyatt Earp. Though her role in her husband’s mythic western tale is often overlooked, she was a loyal partner, friend, and companion to him.
- Lucinda Hinsdale Stone: Lucinda Hinsdale Stone was an educator and pioneer of the American West who had an enormous impact on the development of the region. Stone was a key figure in the establishment of the first school in Michigan, and she was also responsible for organizing women’s clubs and institutions throughout the Great Lakes region.
- Sarah Bowman: Sarah Bowman was an African American woman of considerable courage and will. Originally from Virginia, Sarah adopted the name of Sally Bowie when she came to the West, and proceeded to put her skills to use, proving her worth in the gold rush towns of the American West.
These women and many others across the West are historically overlooked and their stories forgotten. However, their pioneering influence was undeniable, setting a precedent for a new era of courageous, independent women in the American West.
2. The Road to Equality: Fighting for Rights in the West
In the West, the fight for equality of rights under the law has been a long and complicated process. As governments, society and individuals grew to understand human dignities and the importance of justice, the movement towards fairness and appropriate representation for all grown stronger.
In the early days of the battle for equal rights, the biggest challenge was finding ways to ensure that the voices of those who had been marginalized for so long were heard. Activists took to the streets, advocated in papers and pamphlets, and began orchestrating large, vibrant protest marches. Despite the resistance of the well-entrenched and powerful societal prejudices, these movements were relatively successful in convincing wider populations of the importance of providing equal rights to all.
It became increasingly understood that having equal representation in the legislature was vital to the success of the movement for equal rights. As a result, countries around the world began to pass reforms to the legal systems which had previously served to deny rights to large sections of their populations. Gay marriage laws, voting rights for women, non-discrimination policies, and other measures were all passed in order to guarantee certain rights for all.
Despite the advances that have been achieved so far, the road to equality continues to be long and difficult. In some areas such as gender-based pay gaps or access to education, there are still large gaps between those with power and those without. Civilians must continue to demand that their barons, governments, and justice system commit to the principles of equality and justice to guarantee that all are able to live with dignity and enjoy the same rights.
- Activists went to great lengths to ensure that marginalized voices were heard
- Legislative reforms helped to guarantee certain rights for all people
- Great advances have been made, but much still needs to be done
3. Challenging Stereotypes: Rewriting Women’s History
The stories of history have been dominated by a single narrative for years, erasing the contributions of women and girls as well as people of color. However, in recent years, we’ve come to see how crucial it is to rewrite and reveal the history of women and their contribution to the world.
- Start with the Painful Past
- Celebrate the Unsung Heroes
- Learn About the Difficult Present
- Move Towards a Hopeful Future
To understand the past, we must first confront the painful truth — women have been demonized, silenced, and marginalized for centuries, even in our present day. From witch hunts that were based on gender-based discrimination to the lack of education and opportunities for girls in developing countries, the history of women in the world is vastly different from the glorified narrative we’re used to hearing.
Celebrating the Unsung Heroes — We have to celebrate the struggles, courage, and achievements of women throughout history whose courage and accomplishments are often overlooked. From Nancy Wake inspiring those around her during World War II to Mary Seacole paving the way for female nurses today, these are the women who have transcended the limits of gender and gone beyond to make a lasting impression on the world.
But women’s history does not end with just remembering the past — to truly honor women’s past, we must grapple with the difficult present. From the wage gap to the disproportionate representation of women in leadership positions, understanding the challenges that women face today is vital in order for us to acknowledge and actively work towards securing a better future for all.
Through challenging the narratives of history we’ve been told, recognizing the inspiring heroes of the past and present, and actively working towards progress, we can move towards a brighter future. By rewriting women’s history, we can affirm the notion that everyone deserves respect, opportunities, and equality.
4. Honoring the Unsung Heroes: Celebrating Women of the Frontier
Women have been at the forefront of pioneering progress since the dawn of time. They have been vital contributors in taming the wild frontier, from trailblazing to build communities in the western states to patching up wounded soldiers in combat situations. Unfortunately, due to their gender’s subordination, their contribution to the progress of the nation have not been evident historically. In an effort to pay proper homage to these steadfast, resilient, and brave women of the frontier, we are proud to honor them.
- Sacagawea – the esteemed guide to the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804-1806. Sacagawea is one of the most remarkable protagonists of the American West and her legacy will live on forever.
- Eliza Snow – a Mormon prophetess, poet, and advocate for gender equality. She helped to found the Women’s Department, one of the earliest women’s organizations in the Western United States.
- Emily Young – a rancher, nurse, midwife and early feminist, Emily Young became one of the major concessionaires on the Chisholm Trail, a cattle trail that ran from central Texas to Kansas.
- Kate Elder – an American Indian scout and gunslinger, Elder made a name for herself for her marksmanship and skill at “quick-draw.”
- Mary Fields – an African-American widowed former slave, Fields was the second woman to carry mail for the U.S. Postal Service and the first African-American to do so.
These extraordinary women challenged expectations of traditional roles and forged the trails for equal opportunities for themselves and countless generations to follow. They are heroes, and as we take this moment to honor their accomplishments, we can continue to be inspired by their fearlessness and tenacity.
For all the accomplishments of the women on the frontier, there are countless stories of unseen contributions that still live today – untold stories of strength, resilience, and courage. We see the evidence of the indomitable spirit of the pioneers in the success stories of today’s women from all walks of life.
Today, we raise a glass to the intrepid women of the past and present. Together, we continue to make strides, inspiring generations to follow in their fearless footsteps.
These adventurers dared to explore, break societal boundaries, and create a new chapter in the history of our nation. We thank them with the incredible progress that has come in their wake and we look to the future with optimism for the path ahead.
From Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane to Emily French and Susanna Dickinson, the importance of women in resiliently forming and sustaining the Western Frontier should be one of the most inspiring stories of our nation’s history. Women were central figures in the growth of the West and often times were the unsung heroes who not only made it possible to live there, but also to thrive among the rough, uncertain terrain. Though their stories remain largely untold, their pioneering influence on the West will remain throughout the ages.
