Annie Oakley
Annie Oakley was an American who made herself famous in a man’s world. Her ability to hit trick shots in the Buffalo Bill Wild West show brought a little frontier spirit into a lot of lives and captured the hearts of many in the process. The history of this American icon is enough to keep any little cowgirl occupied in an Annie Oakley costume for Halloween or all year round.
Growing up in the backwoods of Ohio, Annie began developing her skill for shooting by killing game to support her family. Like most things in life, she tackled her task with precision. Her first hunt resulted in bringing down a squirrel (or rabbit) with a single shot.
The First Challenge
By the time Annie was a teenager, she became so skilled that she regularly sold part of her kill to the local grocer. This led to an invitation to participate in her first shooting match with an expert marksman, Frank Butler. Annie accepted the challenge, hoping to win the $50 prize. She won that prize and more.
After about a year following the competition, Annie married Frank and eventually became the star of his show with the Sells Brothers Circus. Annie used her sewing skills to design and create her own costumes for the show. Her ability to hit targets such as shooting out candle flames and knocking corks from bottles attracted the attention of Sioux Chief Sitting Bull. Sitting Bull not only gave Annie the Indian name Watanya Cecilia or Little Sure Shot, but also “adopted” her.
The Wild West Show
Annie’s popularity increased after joining Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show in 1885. She would work off and on for the show over the next 17 years. She always entered with style and grace and her audiences rewarded her performance with round after round of applause.
Annie’s shooting entertainment was clever, precise and dramatic. One reporter commented that her pleasant manner and soft cheery voice were only excelled by her accuracy of aim and adroitness with the rifle.
Working hard to build a reputation, Annie served as a role model to women the world over. Thus, an Annie Oakley costume represents the strength and perseverance required to hit the “bulls-eye” in whatever you do. What better way could you find to teach your little buckaroo the values of the Wild West?