This article was originally published on Lizanest.com
In the rugged days of the American Old West, carrying a gun wasn’t just a choice—it was a necessity for survival. Law and order were far looser than they are today, making self-defense a daily reality. Amid the chaos, specific individuals rose above the rest with their incredible marksmanship, earning the title of sharpshooters. One such legend was Annie Oakley, a pioneer whose skill left audiences in awe. Calling her exceptional would be an understatement—she was in a league. Annie redefined sharpshooting from shooting cigarettes out of people’s mouths to splitting cards midair. Let’s dive into her remarkable story.
#1: The Nickname That Stuck
Annie Oakley, born initially Phoebe Ann Moses, was the fifth of seven children in a hardworking family from rural Darke County, Ohio. Her famous name wasn’t one she was born with—“Oakley” came from a nearby Ohio town, while “Annie” was a loving nickname her sisters gave.
Though she became a legendary symbol of the American frontier, much of her early life was spent in Ohio, far from the Wild West, where she would later be captivated by her extraordinary sharpshooting skills.