Annie Oakley: Crack Shot in Petticoats

• Documentary

Episode overview

She was the world’s greatest female sharp shooter of her day. Her legend—while rife with contradictions—has been the source of endless films, books, and theatrical productions. Inspired by the skill of her father, the young girl from Ohio who would later become the famous Annie Oakley, began her shooting career out of pure necessity. Upon the death of her father, Annie supported her family by shooting game in order to put food on the table. Her unmatched proficiency soon led her to participate in shooting competitions. After witnessing one of these performances, the renowned Sioux chief, Sitting Bull, gave her the nickname “Little Miss Sure Shot.” From her troubled childhood to her raving success with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, this is the saga of the conservative Victorian woman who turned the American frontier upside down with her unrivaled bravado and skill.

60 minutes