The American West focuses on cowboy stories. As deserved as that is, it has forgotten to tell the story of a remarkable woman who stood out for her pioneering spirit and achievements. Mary Fields, alias “Stagecoach Mary” was the first black woman employed as a mail carrier. She worked in a male-dominated environment, breaking societal barriers, and proved to be just as efficient. In this post, we recount her life and times.
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Early Life and Beginnings
Mary Fields was born around 1832 into slavery, making it difficult to establish her date of birth. As a result, she had a difficult childhood, but it made her resilient. Details about her life post-slavery are well documented.
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Missionary Work
After the end of the Civil War and emancipation, she traveled to the safer parts of America, going to Mississippi, where she worked on riverboats as a servant to Judge Edmund Dunne and had a laundry business. After his wife died, Dunne sent Fields to Toledo, Ohio where she became mother superior at the Ursuline Convent.
Her mannerisms didn’t gel well with the nuns at the convent. She was fierce and didn’t hold back. Many complained about it but she drew the attention of Mother Amadeus Dunne, the convent’s Mother Superior, who left for Montana.
In 1885, Mary Fields was sent to care for Mother Amadeus, who was ill. She helped her to fully recover and stayed there working. However, her behavior didn’t align with the convent. She was aggressive, smoked, drunk and even pointed guns at others.
Fields was eventually dismissed after holding a gun against a male janitor. This is where she carved her life which at the time, was unconventional for a woman.
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Becoming “Stagecoach Mary”
Mary Fields did odd jobs and was known for her love for liquor and gunfights. Her roughness paid off when she was hired as an independent contractor by the Star Route Carrier in 1895. She became known as Stagecoach Mary for carrying the mail in a stagecoach Mother Amadeus gave her.
Her tough reputation made her successful in this job as she protected mail from thieves and bandits. She was the first African American woman to work as a mail carrier. Despite her tough demeanor, the local community loved her for her generosity and kindness.
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You should get a television set to watch films about Mary Fields on Target.
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Challenges
Mary Fields was a victim of discrimination because of her race and gender. However, this didn’t deter her as she focused on what she loved and enjoyed doing. She outperformed her male colleagues and earned respect and adoration.
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Legacy
After eight years, Mary Fields left her job due to ageing but won the hearts of the community who stepped in to support her. She got free meals and was welcomed in many establishments. She died on December 5, 1914.
She’s a good example of having resilience in adversity. Mary defied the conventional view of a woman and chattered her own path. Although she is not referenced by the feminist movement as a pioneer, she was.
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Remembering Mary Fields
Mary Fields’ story is told through films, books and other accounts. If you want to learn more about her, you can watch these films
- Outlaw Posse (2024)
- The Harder They Fall (2021)
- Western film, They Die By Dawn (2013)
- TV movie Hannah’s Law (2012)
- TV movie The Cherokee Kid (1996)
- Homesteaders
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Conclusion
Mary Fields was a symbol of a woman’s strength and courage. She challenged the stereotypical notions of women and demonstrated their abilities. Mary Fields also stood tall against racial prejudice as she didn’t let it prevent her from pursuing her ambitions.
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