originally published: 09/07/2023

Marshal Katie Benson on horse

(BYRAM TWP) -- Cowgirls will take center stage at Wild West City on Saturday, September 16, 2023 when the Northwest Jersey theme park hosts its 2nd annual Day of the Cowgirl, this year in conjunction with National Day of the Cowgirl.

National Day of the Cowgirl is a celebration and recognition of the spirit of the American cowgirl – a spirit embodied by women who are strong, confident and resilient. Whether through farming and ranching, arts and culture or equine sports, the spirit of a cowgirl shines through women from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for the Western way of life.

Cowgirl Day will be all about boots, chaps and cowgirl hats! Watch as the women of the west take over Wild West City on September 16th. Cowgirl Day will feature female Marshals, outlaws, stagecoach drivers, equestrians, and so much more! The day will also include the best dressed cowgirl and cowboy contest as well as Brave Beth and Cowboy Larry’s Wild West Show.

For the past several years, Wild West City has featured numerous cowgirls in action, led by “Marshal” Katie Benson. Also representing Wild West City's "female contingent" are “Schoolmarm” Alice Harrison, Jane “Calamity” Primerano, Reilly Anne “Ryestone Cowgirl” Ruane, Stagecoach driver Madelyn VanWestervelt and the renowned Can-Can girls of Wild West City!

You hear a lot about cowboys in the old west and see them featured in many western TV shows and movies, but there were plenty of women riding horses back then, too. This includes legends such as Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane, and Belle Starr. Beyond the legends, there are plenty of other women who played important roles in the taming of the old west. For example, how many women kept their families together during those treacherous and unknown prairie schooner trips in search of gold, land, or just a better life?

Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane are the two most recognizable figures of the time.

Oakley was born Phoebe Ann Moses in Darke County, Ohio, and at the age of eight she started hunting. She would sell the game she shot to local restaurants to help earn money for her family. When she was fifteen, Oakley went to Cincinnati to compete against marksman Frank E. Butler. He travelled around the country challenging people to shooting competitions. During the competition, Oakley shot all twenty-five shots, and Butler missed one, making Oakley the winner. Butler was impressed by her skills, and soon they began courting. They were married August 23, 1876.
The happy couple toured around the country, and Butler continued to perform as a marksman. Oakley acted as his assistant and held up items for Butler to shoot. She would also do some shooting. As she became more popular, she adopted the stage name of “Oakley.” On May 1, 1882, Butler’s shooting partner became ill, and Oakley filled in. From that moment, Oakley became part of the act. In March 1884, she met Sitting Bull, the Lakota Sioux leader who defeated General Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn. He gave her the nickname “Little Sure Shot” after seeing her perform in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Martha Jane Cannary, better known as Calamity Jane, was a well-known American frontierswoman, sharpshooter, and raconteur. In addition to many exploits she was known for being an acquaintance of Wild Bill Hickok.
Calamity was born in Princeton, Missouri. In 1865 her family migrated to Virginia City, Montana. During the five month wagon train trip she spent most of her time hunting. By the time they arrived in Virginia City she was considered a remarkably good markswoman and a fearless rider. Shortly after arriving in Black Foot in 1866 her mother died, followed by her father. Jane took on whatever job was available to provide for her siblings.  In 1870 she joined General George Armstrong Custer as a scout at For Russell, Wyoming and donned the uniform of a soldier. This marked the beginning of her habit of dressing like a man. Calamity was considered the most reckless and daring rider and one of the best shots in the West.
While Oakley and Calamity Jane may be central western figures, there were many other women who were notable in the old west. They included:

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Mary Katherine Horony Cummings, also known as “Big Nose Kate,” was the longtime companion/common law wife of fabled gunfighter Doc Holliday.

Known as the “Bandit Queen,” Belle Starr was born in 1848 as Myra Maybelle Shirley.

Madame Moustache Dumont was a notorious gambler on the American Western Frontier, mainly during the California Gold Rush.

One of Colorado’s earliest woman doctors, Susan Anderson was known as “Doc Susie” for her dedication to her medical practice.

Mary Fields, also known as Stagecoach Mary or Black Mary, was the first African-American female mail carrier in the United States to travel on a Star Route.

Wild West City, located in Byram Township, has been bringing the old west to life for over six decades. On Saturday, September 16 the park wants to bring to life the stories of the many women of the west who were key to its history and feature present day cowgirls who continue to cultivate the spirit of those times.

Located near Routes 206, 80 and 46, Wild West City is open weekends through Columbus Day Weekend. In October, Wild West City becomes a Haunted Wild West town with both daytime and nighttime weekend events.

Tickets for any Wild West City day can be purchased in advance online or the day of at the admission gate. Groups and children's birthday parties are also welcome but must make reservations in advance.

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