Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Annie Oakley

Role / Field:

Iconic American sharpshooter and folk heroine, famous for her skill in Buffalo Bill's Wild West.

Born:

1860-08-13

Died:

1926-11-03

Century / Era:

1860s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Annie Oakley (born Phoebe Ann Mosey; August 13, 1860 – November 3, 1926) was an American exhibition/trick shooter and folk heroine who starred in Buffalo Bill's Wild West. Oakley developed hunting skills as a child in order to provide for her impoverished family in western Ohio. At age 15, she won a shooting contest against an experienced marksman, Frank E. Butler, whom she married in 1876.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The pair joined Buffalo Bill in 1885, performing in Europe before royalty and other heads of state. Audiences were astounded to see her shooting out a cigar from her husband's hand or splitting a playing-card edge-on at 30 paces. She earned more than anyone else in the troupe except Buffalo Bill himself. After a bad rail accident in 1901, she engaged in a less taxing routine, touring in a play about her career. She also instructed women in marksmanship, believing strongly in women's self-defense.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Her stage acts were filmed for one of Thomas Edison's earliest Kinetoscopes in 1894. Upon her death, an Ohio newspaper editorial noted her reply to the King of England, who had told her that America should be proud of her: "I haven't given that much thought," she reportedly answered, "but I am proud of America...

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• 1860 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1860
• August 13 (08-13) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 13
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• November 3 (11-03) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on November 3

Frequently Asked Questions about Annie Oakley