Annie Oakley
Annie Oakley
In 1875 she won a shooting contest against Frank E. Butler and gained recognition for exceptional marksmanship. She married Frank Butler shortly after. Moreover, she performed with him in shooting exhibitions and developed skills in trick shooting and precision shooting.
In 1885,Annie moved to Buffalo Bill's Wild West and performed alongside Buffalo Bill that made her become one of the show’s biggest stars. She toured across the United States and Europe and performed in front of large audiences, including royalty.
In the late 1800s she gained international fame as a sharpshooter and performed for figures such as Queen Victoria. She was also known for shooting targets with great accuracy, including coins and playing cards and got famous for acts like shooting a cigarette from her husband’s lips. She promoted the idea that women can be skilled in traditionally male roles.
In 1901 she got Injured in a train accident and suffered partial paralysis but recovered over time. She then returned to performing after rehabilitation and Annie continued giving shooting exhibitions and teaching.
In the early 1900s she advocated for women learning to use firearms and trained other women in shooting skills and remained a public figure and symbol of independence.
She died in Ohio the 3rd November of 1926.