Calamity Jane was born Martha Jane Cannary on May 1, 1852, in Princeton, Missouri. Her parents, Robert and Charlotte Cannary, were immigrants from Ireland who moved to the United States seeking a better life. Unfortunately, her father died when she was young, and her mother later remarried, but her stepfather was abusive.
As a result, Calamity Jane spent most of her childhood on the move, working odd jobs and traveling with her family. At a young age, she became familiar with guns and hunting, skills that would later become useful in her life.
When she was a teenager, Calamity Jane moved to Wyoming, where she worked as a scout and a ranch hand. During this time, she earned a reputation as a hard-drinking, tough-talking woman who was unafraid to take on anyone who crossed her.
According to legend, she rode into a group of fighting hostiles to save a wounded army captain. Jane emerged from the fight untouched, so the captain named her “Calamity Jane.” However, some historians believe that this story is more myth than fact and that Calamity Jane earned her nickname because of her reckless behavior and tendency to get into trouble.
In the late 1870s, Calamity Jane moved to Deadwood, South Dakota, which was a boomtown at the time. She quickly became a regular at the saloons and brothels in the town, where she drank heavily and entertained the customers with her stories and antics.
Despite her rough exterior, Calamity Jane had a softer side. She was known for her kindness and generosity towards children and those in need. She often gave away her money and belongings to those less fortunate than herself and was always ready to lend a helping hand.
Calamity Jane’s life took a turn in 1876 when she met Wild Bill Hickok, a famous gunfighter and lawman. The two became close friends, and Calamity Jane claimed she was in love with him. However, it is unclear if Hickok felt the same way about her.
In 1879, Hickok was killed during a poker game in Deadwood. Calamity Jane was devastated by his death and claimed she had been by his side. She also claimed that she had promised to bury him next to her if he ever died.
After Hickok’s death, Calamity Jane struggled with alcoholism and depression. She continued to work odd jobs and travel around the West, but she could never settle down.
Calamity Jane died in Terry, South Dakota on August 1, 1903. She was buried next to Wild Bill Hickok, as she had promised, in Deadwood. Despite her rough exterior and troubled life, Calamity Jane remains a legendary figure of the Old West, known for her bravery, toughness, and kindness.
