Annie Oakley was probably the nation's finest marksman. Born in 1860, she was an outstanding Ohio woman who gave freely of her time, funds and energies to benefit other women.

Oakley's shooting skills were developed early in her life and when she was age 21 she met her future husband, shooting champion, Frank Butler by defeating him in a match. They toured as a team for some years before he retired to manage her career. She joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West in 1885 and performed as the star of that 19th century show for more than 16 years. She astonished Americans and royalty across England and Europe with her amazing skill.

She was injured in a train accident in 1901 that ended her career with the Wild West. After she recovered she went on to shoot in charity events to help orphans, widows, and underprivileged women. She campaigned for women's rights to hold paid employment, earn equal pay, participate in sports, and defend herself in her own home and on city streets.

Additional Resources:Havighurst, Walter. Annie Oakley of the Wild West. New York: Macmillan, 1954, reissued 1992.

Kasper, Shirl. Annie Oakley. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1992.

Riley, Glenda. The Life and Legacy of Annie Oakley. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1994.

Letter to President McKinley, 5 April 1898. War Department. In Old Military oand Civil Records, National Archives Building. Washington, D.C.