Annie Oakley is probably the most famous cowgirl of all. Born Phoebe Anne Oakley Moses she was forced into an orphanage at an early age due to her widowed mother not able to support her. She became a sure-shot during her teenage years to help her impoverished family survive by hunting game. In 1876, Annie beat another shooter, Frank Butler. They were married and became a variety show act and were featured in the Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show in 1885. 
Another famous Cowgirl was Calamity Jane, Martha Cannary. A well known wild west woman who looked like a man, shot like a cowboy, and could tell a tall tales. In 1870, she joined General Custer's group as a scout at Fort Russell Wyoming. She wore a uniform like the men and so began Calamity Jane's habit of dressing like a man. Calamity would say about herself that she was the most reckless and daring rider and one of the best shots in the West. He skills took her into Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in 1895 where she performed sharp shooting astride her horse.
Cowgirls are still going strong today. 1,000s of girls and ladies compete nationally in Rodeo's in the women's events of: Bareback, Bull Riding, Calf Breakaway, Calf Tie Down, and Team Roping. There are no women allowed, however, in the PBR, the Professional Bull Riders circuit. 
