Legendary Sharpshooter of the American West: 30 Vintage Portraits of Annie Oakley in the Late 19th Century

Rising from a difficult childhood, Oakley developed extraordinary marksmanship skills that helped support her family. After defeating professional shooter Frank Butler in a contest, and later marrying him, she rose to international fame as a star of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.

Known as “Little Sure Shot,” Oakley amazed audiences across America and Europe with her precision, grace, and showmanship, becoming a pioneering female performer and enduring symbol of the American frontier. These vintage photos capture portraits of Annie Oakley in the late 19th century.