Cowboys have long been an iconic part of American culture, conjuring images of the rough-and-tumble men who herded cattle across the open plains. However, the cowboy lifestyle was not reserved solely for men. Women also took part in the daily rigors of ranching and cattle drives during the late 1800s. So what exactly do you call a female cowboy? There are a few different terms that have been used over the years to describe women working as cowhands.
Common Terms for Female Cowboys
Cowgirl
The most common term used today for a female cowboy is simply “cowgirl.” This is the female counterpart to the male “cowboy” and is widely used and understood. The first known use of the term “cowgirl” dates back to the late 19th century during the era of the Wild West. Some of the earliest cowgirls worked on ranches and went on cattle drives just like their male counterparts. Famous examples include Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane. The term “cowgirl” is still used today to describe female rodeo performers, ranchers, equestrians, and anyone who embodies the spirit of the pioneering women of the Old West.
Cowhand
Another term used to describe female cowboys is “cowhand,” which was commonly used in the late 1800s. The term literally referred to someone who worked with cattle using their hands. “Cowhand” was a gender-neutral way to describe the ranch workers and cattle herders of the era. Both men and women who worked with cattle could be considered cowhands. The term emphasized one’s skills and abilities over gender. While less common today than “cowgirl,” cowhand is still occasionally used, especially in a historical context.
Cowwoman
A more overtly feminine variant of the traditional “cowboy” is “cowwoman.” This highlights both the person’s gender and their profession. “Cowwoman” arose in the 19th century as more literal alternative to “cowgirl,” which some saw as trivializing women’s contributions as cattle herders at the time. However, the term “cowgirl” soon eclipsed “cowwoman” in popularity and use. Today, “cowwoman” is rarely used outside of a historical context. Most women working with cattle today are perfectly happy adopting “cowgirl” as their job title.
Cattle Queen
During the late 1800s, a small number of women amassed sizable cattle herds and substantial wealth through ranching and business dealings. These prosperous women came to be called “cattle queens.” The most famous cattle queen of them all was Anna Marie Slaughterback. After her husband’s death in 1866, Slaughterback took over their Texas ranch and grew a herd of over 10,000 cattle. She became one of the first women to participate in cattle drives up the Chisholm Trail. Other pioneering cattle queens included Mary Ann “Molly” Dyer Goodnight and Eliza Jane Masterson Gear. The cattle queens commonly oversaw all aspects of cattle operations themselves, doing business, finance and labor along with the men.
Origins of Female Cowboys
Pioneer Necessity
In the early pioneering days of the American West, ranching families were usually short-handed. Everyone was expected to pitch in and do whatever work needed doing. So from the very beginning, wives and daughters of ranchers often worked right alongside the men. They performed physical labor like herding, branding, driving wagons, and more. Women learned to ride horses and handle livestock out of necessity in the rugged frontier environment. Ranching required all hands on deck, regardless of gender. Those who grew up on homesteads and ranches were raised from childhood to handle a variety of essential chores. So women working as cowhands was simply a normal part of daily life for many Western families.
Filling Labor Shortages
As ranching operations expanded in the late 1800s, there were also shortages of available men to work as hired hands. The life of a cowhand was dirty, dangerous and unglamorous, so it did not appeal to everyone. With fewer men willing to do the work, some ranchers turned to hiring women instead. It provided employment opportunities for women at a time when they had limited vocational options beyond domestic service. Some women worked as cattle herders out of economic necessity, especially those who were widowed or otherwise had no male provider. Other women simply sought adventure, freedom and outdoor work rather than being confined to indoor domesticity. They found independence and purpose working the ranches and drives.
Rodeo Performers
In the early 20th century, Wild West shows and rodeos exploded in popularity, creating a new public platform for cowgirls. Audiences were enthralled by talented female rodeo performers like Lucille Mulhall, who earned fame for her impressive roping skills. Women like Mulhall added an exciting new dimension to the masculine imagery of the cowboy. Their participation in events like riding, sharpshooting and bronc busting challenged gender stereotypes and helped popularize the cowgirl as a mainstream icon. These cowgirls were pioneers not just in ranching, but in women’s sports and entertainment. Their success paved the way for future generations of women entering rodeos.
Common Cowgirl Activities
Here are some of the main activities a typical cowgirl of the late 1800s performed:
Cattle Herding
One of the most fundamental jobs of any cowhand was herding cattle to new pastures and ranges. Cowgirls spent long days in the saddle moving herds where they needed to go. This required expert horsemanship, stamina and vigilance. It could be dangerous work, as one mistake could cause a stampede. But skilled cowgirls were more than capable of managing herds and directing cattle on open trails.
Branding
To keep track of ownership, cattle were branded with a hot iron imprint of the ranch’s symbol. Branding cattle required roping, wrestling and immobilizing calves – skills at which many cowgirls excelled. They could also heat irons, apply brands and treat burns. Branding was crucial to identify wandering cattle. A cowgirl often oversaw these branding crews to ensure accurate counts and recording.
Feeding
Providing feed and water for cattle was constant chore, whether on the trail or the home ranch. Cowgirls carried supplies, distributed feed, filled troughs and ensured the herd was properly nourished. Monitoring grazing patterns and moving the herd prevented overgrazing in any particular area. Keeping cattle fed and watered was a cowgirl’s responsibility.
Calving
Calving season involved close monitoring for cows about to give birth. Cowgirls had to identify cows in labor and provide any needed assistance during difficult births. Newborn calves were vulnerable to the elements, so cowgirls made sure each new addition was cared for. The cowgirl’s diligence and attention during calving season was crucial for the herd’s health.
Repairs & Maintenance
General ranch maintenance like mending fences, repairing structures and equipment also frequently fell to cowgirls. They had skills to build and fix anything necessary to keep the ranch running smoothly. Cowgirls were often in charge of managing ranch facilities and performed blacksmithing, carpentry, leatherwork and whatever else was required.
Cowgirls on Cattle Drives
One iconic activity associated with cowgirls is participating in long cattle drives. While less common than their daily ranch duties, some women did join the lengthy journeys accompanying herds to market.
Reasons for Participating
Why did some pioneering women decide to join brutal cattle drives covering hundreds of miles? For some, it provided employment opportunities not available otherwise. Widowed or single women had limited options to earn an independent living.
Joining drives also allowed women to fill labor shortages when ranches were unable to hire enough men. Women were willing take on the tough work other men dismissed.
Of course the promise of adventure and seeing new territories enticed some women who desired escape from societal constraints. They rode the trails to find freedom and purpose not permitted in stuffy Victorian gender roles.
For ranch women, cattle drives allowed them to continue looking after stock they had raised and nurtured. They wanted to ensure their cattle arrived safely.
Common Jobs on Drives
The most skilled cowgirls worked right alongside the men to herd cattle mile after mile. They rode swing positions, scouted terrain, handled stampedes and managed wayward animals. Excellent riding and roping were essential.
Cooking was another vital job, as the entire crew relied on hearty sustenance. Cowgirls managed provisions, prepared meals and ensured everyone was fed. They also washed laundry, mended clothing and provided other domestic chores.
Some women served as scouts and hunters, ranging ahead or providing fresh game for the crew. They were experts in wilderness survival and hunting wild game. Their contributions supplemented food supplies.
Nursing the injured, sick or footsore cattle also fell to cowgirls with medical knowledge. They treated minor injuries, infections and exhaustion. A caring cowgirl could mean life or death for debilitated cattle.
Challenges on the Trail
A cattle drive was no vacation for cowgirls. They faced dangers from natural hazards, cattle stampedes, venemous snakes, and human outlaws. Rugged terrain and weather took a toll after weeks in the saddle. Comforts were nonexistent – participants slept on the hard ground. But most women adapted to the demands and grew calloused hands and souls. The self-reliance and grit they developed became lifelong strengths. Their trail experiences taught courage and determination in the face of adversity.
Of course, they also had to confront skeptical attitudes about women infringing on traditionally male work. Some male cowhands doubted ladies’ contributions. Women had to prove their ranching competence and mettle repeatedly. But the women who completed drives demonstrated women’s capabilities as equals in the West. Their participation was groundbreaking for gender roles of the era.
Importance and Legacy
While small in number, the women who worked as cowgirls in the late 1800s had great significance:
They demonstrated women’s abilities
Cowgirls showed that livestock care, ranching and other physical labor were not just for men. Their skill, endurance and knowledge of cattle disproved restrictive beliefs about ladies being delicate or helpless. Cowgirls earned respect for their essential ranch contributions.
They provided role models
Young girls growing up on ranches were inspired by the women proving their equal worth. They paved the way for the next generation’s increased independence and autonomy. The adventurous spirit of pioneer cowgirls continues influencing rural farm women today.
They gained financial freedom
For women with few rights and options in the Victorian era, ranching afforded self-reliance. Cowgirls could earn a good living, establish independence, own property and build wealth. Their economic power was incredibly pioneering for the time.
They shaped popular culture
The cowgirl became one of the most iconic symbols of the pioneering American West. Images of spirited women in hats, chaps and spurs came to symbolize freedom, strength, adventure and women’s expanded opportunities. Cowgirls were early feminists advancing women’s causes.
While short-lived, the piloting generation of cowgirls made an indelible impact. Their daring and determination during a transformative era changed perceptions of what women could handle. The descendants of 19th century cowgirls continue to raise cattle and ride the range from Texas to Montana, embodying their frontier spirit. The cowgirls of the Wild West era will never be forgotten.
Conclusion
The terms “cowgirl,” “cowhand,” “cowwoman,” and “cattle queen” all evolved to describe the groundbreaking women who worked as cowboys in the late 1800s. Driven by necessity, opportunity and adventure, these bold females took part in all the rugged activities of cattle ranching, from mending fences to riding the range. Their participation challenged restrictive Victorian gender norms and paved the way for future generations of women. The cowgirls of the Wild West earned their place in history through skill, courage, and determination to take on any challenge as tough as any man.