"So began our life with Buffalo Bill's Wild West. The travel and early parades were hard, but we were happy. A crowned queen was never treated with more reverence than I was by those whole-souled Western boys." ~ Annie Oakley, autobiography
Annie’s career took off when she and Frank joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show in 1885. Annie would shoot pigeons, perform stunts on horseback, and shoot playing cards in the air. With Annie’s increasing popularity, Frank stepped out of the spotlight and became her manager, breaking a strong societal barrier. Annie's strong character and modest attire made her well-respected for her skill and class.
Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show Poster, 1885. (Library of Congress)
"You are a very, very clever little girl."
~ Queen Victoria to Annie Oakley, 1885
"You are the best rifle shot in the world."
~ Prince George to Annie Oakley, 1885
“[Annie Oakley is] the single greatest asset the Wild West ever had.”
~ Buffalo Bill Cody
A statue of Annie Oakley found in the Garst Museum, representing her poise and confident stature. (Photo by Reena Ding, 2019)
The show sails to London, 1887 (Library of Congress)
Frank Butler's advertisement forbids imposters, 1887 (Clipper Archives)
The show in Naples, Italy, 1888 (W.F. Cody Collection)
"The Grand Emperor Michael of Russia proceeded to shoot a match at clay pigeons with Miss Annie Oakley, making a very respectable score, although he was defeated by the little Western girl, Annie Oakley." ~ Buffalo Bill Cody to journalists, 1887
"His Royal Highness was suddenly confronted by one of the wild mustangs... Miss Oakley set him the example by jumping over the barriers as his Highness was knocked down by the animal, blocking the mustang's blow, and saving his life." ~ The Sun, June 2, 1890
Royalty who attended the show, 1887 (W.F. Cody Collection)
Little Sure Shot showcases her refined equestrian skills, 1886 (Garst Museum).
Annie Oakley wears her many awards and accolades before her departure on European tour. (Brooklyn Stacy Studios)
As a traveling member of the Wild West Show, Annie found time for both rejuvenation and education (William F. Cody Collection)
The Wild West Show toured across Europe, performing for many leaders, including Queen Victoria, the Kings of Italy and Senegal, the President of France, and the emperors of Germany and Russia. Annie shot the ashes off Kaiser Wilhelm's cigar, received marriage proposals, and won the hearts of Europeans.
"If my aim had been poorer, I might have averted the Great War." ~ Annie Oakley, on shooting the ashes off the Kaiser's cigar
"When Annie was presented to Prince Edward and Princess Alexandra in 1887, she made a statement about the democratic equality of American women. She ignored Edward's outstretched hand and first shook the hand of Princess Alexandra." -Garst Museum
“I want to take her back with me. My people are not safe in the small villages: the man-eating tigers carry them away and with such wonderful skill the awful danger would soon be past. I beg of you, release her." -King Dain Salifour of Senegal, offering 100,000 francs for the Little Sure Shot's assistance
“While shooting I scarcely realize I have a gun in my hands. I look straight at the object to be fired at, and the moment the butt of the gun touches my shoulder I fire.” ~ Annie Oakley, Annie Oakley's autobiography
"Annie Oakley" filmed by Thomas Edison, 1895. (Library
of Congress)
Little Sure Shot was renowned for her great skill and strong moral character, though at times it was hard to maintain it. Conflict began when Lillian Smith, a Californian sharpshooter, joined Buffalo Bill’s Show. Though the women were comparable in skill, Annie’s dignity outweighed Smith’s questionable behavior.
“My highest ambition, is to be considered a lady.”
~ Annie Oakley, newspaper interview with Will Rogers
Lillian Smith performs as "Princess Wenona" with her horse named Rabbit, circa 1915. (Smithsonian Magazine)
Image of a bill from Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, 1886. (PBS)
Prior to the Wild West Show, Lillian performed in Burlesque shows, and after leaving the show, she rebranded herself as the “Champion Indian Shot” using blackface while performing.
“Annie Oakley is done for… once they see my own self shoot.”
~ Lillian Smith
"No woman with a shady past or doubtful reputation can ever enter into a personal contest with Annie Oakley while I am managing her. She values her personal reputation far more than her shooting one."
~ Frank Butler, 1891, to reporters
Lyon County Times, October 24, 1885
The Herald, December 1, 1895
"No one has come forward... to dispute Miss Lillian's right to the title of champion... she has well demonstrated her claim to the title champion lady rifle shot."
The San Francisco Call, April 4, 1902
The Age-Herald, April 3, 1902
"Mrs. Lillian Smith, the Californian, missed three birds to-day... Annie Oakley missed none... Wenona [Lillian Smith] missed three and Annie Oakley missed two."
"I will say that for many reasons, which it is not necessary to mention here, it is impossible for me to enter in any competition with Miss Smith. The word 'champion' I have never used myself... If the title benefits her any, I am satisfied, as I shall never use it. I have a social reputation which I prize more highly than any shooting fame." -Annie Oakley, 1889
The Little Sure Shot retired in 1901. But, the world hadn't seen the last of Annie Oakley.
