The Pioneer women of the Old West were some of the most brave women that I can think of. Many faced unimaginable perils as the men in their lives moved them from the comforts of their homes and family in the eastern parts of the United States to desolate places where there might not be any other people around for miles. These woman aren't individually named in the annals of history. We get glimpses of many of them through the stories of the men in their lives. We sometimes get an overall view of what their lives might have been like with articles about pioneer women in general. Rarely, do we read about a specific woman, yet these women paved the way for the life we have now.
One woman we do know something about is Annie Oakley. Her real name was Phoebe Ann Oakley Moses and before she became a celebrity as a female sharpshooter she helped her widowed father put food on the table by shooting small game around their Darke County home in Ohio in the 1860s. Not exactly a chore we would think of for a young girl of nine.
Annie wasn't your typical pioneer woman who spent her days with the endless food preparations or the sewing of clothing for the entire family. Her destiny took her away from the drudgery of pioneer life to become a star in a man's world using skills that most women probably had. The pioneer women would have had to know how to shoot and ride horses; they just didn't take it to the level that Annie was able to do.
Yvonne, known as naturegirl7, has written a delightful article about Annie Oakley Little Sure Shot telling us about this remarkable woman of the old west. In the article, Yvonne also reminds us of a woman in the 1950s who became the idol of many of us little girls on television. Gail Davis portrayed Annie Oakley and made this woman real for little girls when we were young.
Annie Oakley might seem like an odd choice for me to make when discussing women's history. What I like about Annie is that she conquered an area that was dominated by men at a time in history when that was extremely difficult to do. Discovering this remarkable woman when I was a little girl made me realize that women can do anything we set our minds to do. I hope you will find out more about Annie by visiting the article by Yvonne.
Visit Annie Oakley Little Sure Shot
Image Credit: Miss Annie Oakley by CircusArt
I'm delighted to bring you Tidbit Tuesdays here on the Squidoo Lens Review! Looking forward to reviewing bits of history, books, and so much more as the weeks progress.
A wonderful example of great content. Though, I'd have to draw the line at holding a cigarette in my mouth while someone, and I mean anyone, even Annie Oakley, shoots it out. :D
Yes, I'm guessing if you were a part of her show it would bring new meaning to the phrase…"I'd trust her with my life!"
You're right, it's amazing what the frontier women faced, and with great courage and stamina. Annie Oakley certainly earned her place in history. Thanks for this inspiring introduction to an interesting article.
WordCustard´s last blog ..Top 10 Snowboarding Tips For Female Beginners
Thanks for featuring my article. I really enjoyed reading yours. Yep, I always wanted to be Annie Oakley when I grew up…. I still do.
naturegirl7´s last blog ..Listen to the Mockingbird
I remember this very interesting lens from a Senior Squid Challenge. Great choice!
A wonderful review! I thoroughly enjoyed reading the review and the lens! Totally awesome!
Cynthia V ( Sylvestermouse)´s last blog ..Squid Angel Mouse Tracks
What a wonderful review! I've always loved the stories of Annie Oakley. I'd say she got the jump on the womens lib movement :) Heading out to check out that lens, but Bev, I have to say you remind of her in some ways with your lack of fear and true commitment to greatness. This post was perfect!