# Calamity Jane

> American scout and frontierswoman

**Wikidata**: [Q236795](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q236795)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calamity_Jane)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/calamity-jane

## Summary
Calamity Jane was an American scout and frontierswoman, known for her role as a scout during the American Civil War and later as a performer in Wild West shows. She gained fame for her sharp shooting and adventurous lifestyle, becoming one of the most recognizable figures of the American frontier.

## Biography
- Born: May 1, 1853
- Nationality: United States
- Education: No formal education recorded
- Known for: Scouting during the Civil War and performing in Wild West shows
- Employer(s): Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, various circuses
- Field(s): Military reconnaissance, entertainment

## Contributions
Calamity Jane served as a scout for the Union Army during the Civil War, providing crucial intelligence and support to soldiers. She later became a performer in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, where she demonstrated her marksmanship and contributed to the popularization of frontier culture. Her performances helped shape the public image of the American West.

## FAQs
**What was Calamity Jane's role in the Civil War?**
Calamity Jane served as a scout for the Union Army, providing reconnaissance and support to soldiers during the American Civil War. Her skills in tracking and marksmanship were highly valued by the military.

**Where did Calamity Jane perform after the Civil War?**
After the war, Calamity Jane joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, where she performed as a sharpshooter and entertainer. She toured extensively, bringing her frontier experiences to audiences across the United States and Europe.

**What made Calamity Jane famous?**
Calamity Jane became famous for her sharp shooting and adventurous lifestyle. Her performances in Wild West shows and her role as a Civil War scout made her one of the most recognizable figures of the American frontier.

## Why They Matter
Calamity Jane's contributions to military reconnaissance and her role in popularizing frontier culture left a lasting impact on American history. Her performances in Wild West shows helped shape the public's perception of the American West, while her military service provided valuable intelligence during the Civil War. Her legacy continues to influence portrayals of the frontier in literature, film, and popular culture.

## Notable For
- Served as a scout for the Union Army during the Civil War
- Performed in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, demonstrating her marksmanship
- Became one of the most recognizable figures of the American frontier
- Helped popularize the image of the Wild West in entertainment

## Body
### Early Life
Calamity Jane was born Martha Jane Cannary on May 1, 1853, in South Carolina. She grew up in a family of frontiersmen and developed a strong sense of independence and resourcefulness. Her nickname, "Calamity Jane," was given to her by a friend, reflecting her adventurous spirit.

### Civil War Service
During the American Civil War, Calamity Jane served as a scout for the Union Army. She provided crucial intelligence and support to soldiers, using her knowledge of the terrain and her skills in tracking. Her military service was highly valued, and she earned a reputation as a reliable and capable scout.

### Transition to Entertainment
After the war, Calamity Jane turned to entertainment, joining Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. She performed as a sharpshooter, demonstrating her marksmanship with a revolver. Her performances were highly popular, and she toured extensively, bringing her frontier experiences to audiences across the United States and Europe.

### Legacy
Calamity Jane's legacy as a scout and entertainer continues to influence portrayals of the American frontier. Her military service provided valuable intelligence during the Civil War, while her performances in Wild West shows helped shape the public's perception of the Wild West. She remains a beloved figure in American history, remembered for her adventurous spirit and her contributions to both military and entertainment fields.

## References

1. general catalog of BnF
2. MusicBrainz
3. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
4. SNAC
5. Find a Grave
6. FemBio database
7. Integrated Authority File
8. Babelio
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. [Source](http://www.deadwoodmagazine.com/archivedsite/Archives/Girls_Calamity.htm)
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. IdRef
13. Carnegie Hall linked open data
14. LIBRIS. 2012