Fierce Female Outlaws and Gunslingers of the Old West

The American West, also known as the American Frontier and the Old West, was the period after the Civil War, between 1865 to 1900. It was considered a time of lawlessness due to the lack of reliable law enforcement, lack of federal oversight as much of the area was still pre-statehood, and conflicts between transient populations, and different ethnic groups. This earned it the nickname "the Wild West." While we typically hear about male outlaws and gunslingers of the time, there were many fierce female outlaws and gunslingers of the Old West too.

Like their male counterparts, many of these women left a unique legacy. Some died as a result of their crimes while others ran away and started anew, living a quiet life. To compile this list, we chose fierce female gunslingers and outlaws active during the Old West. Since everyone defines this time differently, we opted for females born after 1845 and active before 1920, with one exception. (Click here to discover 27 great Westerns that were nominated for Oscars.)

Here are fierce female outlaws and gunslingers of the Old West:

Annie Oakley was an interesting person. She wasn't an outlaw, but incredibly talented with a gun. Oakley is best known for acting and performing in Buffalo Bill's Wild West.

She was born on August 13, 1860, in Ohio and was extremely talented even at a young age. She won a shooting contest at just 15 against Frank E. Butler, her future husband. They joined the show in 1885. Annie was especially known for shooting a cigar from her husband's hand without hurting him.

Known by many aliases and nicknames like Lady Bandit, Bandit Queen, and Talo Halo, the notorious Pearl Hart was born in Canada but is known for her string of crimes in the United States. One of her first known crimes was robbing a stagecoach. She wore men's clothes and used a .38 revolver. She was caught quickly.

People were entranced with the idea of a female robber in men's clothing. Hart served her sentence in Yuma Territorial Prison where she received special treatment. In 1902, Governor Alexander Brodie pardoned her.

Belle Starr is a notorious gunslinging woman from the Old West. She was born on February 5, 1848, as Myra Maybelle Shirley in Missouri. Starr grew up on a farm – where she was described as a wild child – and received an education.

Interestingly, few people knew of Belle Star until after her mysterious death. Her life of crime peaked when she married her husband, Sam. They were charged with horse theft and served her time at the Detroit House of Corrections. She was ambushed and killed on February 3, 1889. The case remains unsolved.

There is little information on the infamous Laura Bullion, an outlaw who was part of Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch gang. She may have been born near Texas in October of 1876. She ran with a tough crowd and was associated with Wild West legends like the Tall Texan, Sundance Kid, and Kid Curry.

Bullion is especially known for her role in the infamous Great Northern train robbery. Although sentenced to five years, she was released after three years and ten months.

Calamity Jane was an interesting character. Born Martha Jane Canary and known for wearing men's clothing, she wasn't a criminal or an outlaw, but a tough and incredible gunslinger. Most people know her from her involvement in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. Despite her tough character, she was sweet and helpful, often giving money and food to the needy.

Bonnie Parker was half of the Bonnie and Clyde duo. Technically, Bonnie isn't a Wild West outlaw, but she deserves a mention for her fame. Parker was born on October 1, 1910, in Texas and her life of crime likely began because of her love for Clyde. They were a dynamic duo who robbed quite a few places. She met her end in 1934 after she and Clyde were ambushed. About 112 bullet holes covered the car they died in.

Like a few other women on our list, Goldie Griffith wasn't an outlaw but an incredible athlete and show-woman. Griffith was particularly known for her excellent riding skills. This famous cowgirl was part of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. She also performed as a boxer and wrestler in Blanche Whitney's Athletic Show.

She married her first husband during a performance in front of 8,000 people. Sometime later, she fired a gun at him after finding out he was wanted for murder. Eventually, she stopped riding horses and moved to Boulder County, Colorado.

Rose Dunn was involved with some sketchy people, although she was never tied to a crime. This unique Old West woman was born on September 5, 1878. Her brothers were involved in crime and taught her to ride and shoot. Nicknamed the Rose of Cimarron, she was known for her good looks.

Through her brothers, she met and started a romantic affair with outlaw George "Bittercreek" Newcomb. Rose would go to town looking for supplies to help him and the rest of the gang treasured and protected her.

Etta Place was an interesting woman with a mysterious and unknown fate. Born around 1876, her real name may have been Ethel Bishop, an "unemployed music teacher," but some people also believe she may have been Ann Bassett, a cattle rancher who ran in the same circle. Regardless of her real identity, we know she was a companion of the Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch.

She may have been romantically and criminally involved with both the Sundance Kid and Butch Cassidy. But no one knows what happened to her. There are theories that she moved to Chile, Argentina, Texas, or Colorado.

Big Nose Kate, a.k.a Mary Katherine Harony Cummings, was a popular outlaw. She was born in Hungary but moved to the United States during the 1860s with her family. Mary is known for her common-law marriage to Doc Holliday, a legendary Old West gunfighter and gambler.

After getting involved with Doc Holliday, she traveled a lot. They went to Kansas, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Colorado. During their travels, Big Nose Kate worked as a prostitute. While dealing cards, Holliday ran into trouble. He killed Ed Bailey in self-defense. While a mob was forming to kill Holliday, Big Nose Kate took charge with a gun and got him out. They ran off with stolen horses. (Check out the greatest Western directors of all time.)