They say Mary Fields had a spirit as fierce as the frontier itself—and while her reputation for toughness earned her the nickname “Stagecoach Mary,” it was her devotion to her community that made her a legend across the American West.
At over six feet tall and always prepared for the long, rugged trails, Mary Fields delivered mail across Montana in the late 1800s, covering more than 300 miles each week. She carried herself with strength and confidence, often riding with a revolver and rifle to protect the mail from threats along the road. But beyond her grit, it was her generosity, loyalty, and resilience that left a lasting impact.
From Enslavement to Frontier Pioneer
Born into slavery in Hickman County, Tennessee, around 1832, the early details of Mary’s life remain unclear. Following the Civil War, she gained her freedom and began a new chapter—first working on a steamboat, and later as a servant in the home of Judge Edmund Dunne in Ohio.
It was there she met Mother Mary Amadeus, a nun who would play a pivotal role in her life. When Mother Amadeus moved west to Montana to establish a convent school, she fell ill and called for Mary. Without hesitation, Mary traveled to the remote region to care for her, and ultimately decided to stay.
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