Stagecoach Mary's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Stagecoach Mary, also known as Mary Fields, was a pioneering figure in American history as the first African American woman to work for the United States Postal Service. Born in 1832 in Hickman County, Tennessee, Mary Fields grew up as a slave on a plantation. After the abolition of slavery, Mary eventually found her way to Ohio, where she worked as a missionary helping the nuns of the Ursuline convent. It was during this time that she developed her well-known reputation for her unabashed and fiery personality.

In 1884, at the age of 52, Mary Fields moved to the town of Cascade, Montana, where she began working for the Ursuline convent. Her job at the convent would eventually lead to her becoming the first African American woman to work for the United States Postal Service. She was known for her exceptional skill as a stagecoach driver, often delivering mail in treacherous and dangerous conditions. Despite facing numerous obstacles and bigotry, Fields' dedication to her job and her ability to deliver the mail on time earned her the nickname "Stagecoach Mary."

Fields' work as a stagecoach driver was not without its challenges. She faced harsh weather conditions, unruly horses, and the constant threat of robberies and attacks. However, she was known for her fearlessness and her willingness to take on any challenge. In addition to her work as a mail carrier, Fields was also known for her kindness and generosity, often using her own money to help those in need and delivering medicine and supplies to the sick during the harsh Montana winters.

Mary Fields' impact extended beyond her role as a mail carrier. She was a beloved figure in the community and a symbol of strength and resilience for many African Americans in Montana. Her bold and independent spirit made her a legend in the town of Cascade, where she gained a reputation for her fierce demeanor and her ability to outdrink and outfight any man in town.

In 1914, at the age of 82, Mary Fields retired from her job as a mail carrier. She spent her remaining years living in peace and quiet, enjoying her well-deserved retirement in the town she had come to love. Fields' legacy lived on long after her passing, as she became a source of inspiration for many, particularly African American women, who saw her as a trailblazer and a symbol of strength and courage in the face of adversity.

In 1959, Mary Fields was inducted into the Montana Women's Hall of Fame, where her extraordinary contributions to the state were celebrated. The legacy of Stagecoach Mary continues to inspire people to this day, as she remains a symbol of tenacity, perseverance, and the unyielding spirit of the American frontier. Her story serves as a reminder of the significant contributions made by African American women in shaping the history of the United States and the West. Mary Fields' remarkable life and legacy have been immortalized in books, articles, and even a stage play, ensuring that her story will continue to inspire generations to come.