This is one of the only known photos of a Black cowgirl; she’s called Nellie Brown. But there is no Nellie Brown recorded in Western history—she’s just as anonymous as the many Black women labeled only as “unknown.” However, they all knew something important. As one historian said, “More than anywhere else in the United States at the time, the frontier offered African Americans a chance in life.”

Image & text courtesy True West Archives

Born a slave in Arkansas in 1849, Ned Huddleston (a.k.a Isom Dart) gained a reputation for being a notorious Wyoming Territory outlaw and rustler. Huddleston was on of the best riders, ropers, and bronco-buster known of his time.

This wonderful 1880s era photo allegedly depicts a female scout. Her name is unknown, and we don’t know if she is the real deal or the photographer’s daughter. Either way, we love the gear and the attitude.

Bass Reeves was a former slave turned American law enforcement official, historically noted as the first black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River.

The first black rodeo & film star.

Performers in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, reenactments of powwows, buffalo hunts, stagecoach trips, mining camp life, and other elements of the mythologized West.

Nat Love was an American cowboy and writer active in the period following the Civil War. His reported exploits have made him one of the more famous heroes of the Old West.

A black cowboy sits saddled on his horse in Pocatello, Idaho in 1903.

Cowboys preparing to race at a state fair in Bonham, Texas, circa 1913.

Annie Oakley was an American sharpshooter who starred in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. Oakley developed hunting skills as a child 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. 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 except Buffalo Bill himself.

Circa 1865

Annie Oakley 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 except Buffalo Bill himself.

San Jose, 1916