1. Cora Pearl – The Seductress of the Old West
Cora Pearl, born in New Orleans, became one of the most infamous courtesans and brothel owners in the Wild West. She was known for her beauty, charm, and cunning, making her a sought-after companion of wealthy and powerful men. Operating in cities like Denver and Cheyenne, Cora was notorious for her ability to manipulate high-profile men, and she even used her relationships to her advantage when engaging in some less-than-legal business dealings. While not a typical outlaw in the violent sense, her strategic mind and ability to operate in the shadows earned her a place among the most dangerous women of the West.
2. Pearl Hart – The Stagecoach Robber
Pearl Hart became infamous for her 1899 stagecoach robbery in Arizona. Disguised as a man, she held up a stagecoach and, in a Robin Hood twist, returned money to the less fortunate passengers. Pearl’s bold crime—and the celebrity-like status she gained afterward—secured her a place in outlaw lore.
3. Calamity Jane – The Wild West Maverick
Martha Jane Canary, better known as Calamity Jane, was a larger-than-life figure. She was a sharpshooter, a scout, and a heavy drinker who never let societal norms hold her back. While not a true outlaw, her defiant attitude and adventurous life made her one of the West’s most unforgettable figures.
4. Annie Oakley – The Sharpshooting Legend
Though Annie Oakley wasn’t a criminal, her unparalleled skill with a rifle made her one of the most iconic women of the Wild West. Performing in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, she wowed audiences with feats like shooting a cigarette from her husband’s lips. Annie’s fame and talent redefined what women could achieve on the frontier.
5. Big Nose Kate – The Fierce Partner of Doc Holliday
Big Nose Kate, born Mary Katherine Horony, wasn’t just Doc Holliday’s companion—she was a fiery figure in her own right. Known for her sharp wit and quick temper, Kate reportedly helped Holliday escape from jail and wasn’t afraid to face danger head-on. Her loyalty and boldness made her a legend.
6. Mary Fields – The Fearless Stagecoach Driver
Mary Fields, also known as “Stagecoach Mary,” was a towering figure in the Wild West. Born into slavery, she gained her freedom and eventually became the first African American woman to work as a stagecoach driver for the U.S. Postal Service. Mary was known for her toughness, carrying a rifle and a revolver to protect her deliveries. Her fearless nature and larger-than-life personality made her a legend on the frontier.
7. Laura Bullion – The Rose of the Wild Bunch
Laura Bullion was a member of Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch and played an active role in the gang’s notorious robberies. Known as the “Rose of the Wild Bunch,” she helped plan heists and forge banknotes. Arrested in 1901, she served a prison sentence but remained a fascinating figure in outlaw history.
8. Etta Place – The Mysterious Companion
Etta Place, partner to the Sundance Kid, is shrouded in mystery. She was said to be beautiful, well-educated, and a crack shot with a gun. Etta accompanied the Sundance Kid and Butch Cassidy during their escape to South America, but her life after their exploits remains unknown, adding to her enigmatic legacy.
9. Belle Gunness – The Black Widow of the Wild West
Belle Gunness wasn’t your typical Wild West outlaw, but her gruesome crimes made her one of the most infamous figures of the time. Operating in Indiana, Belle lured men to her farm with promises of marriage and fortune, only to murder them for their wealth. She is believed to have killed dozens of victims, including her own children, though the exact number remains a mystery. Her chilling story is one of manipulation, murder, and deceit—cementing her legacy as a deadly outlaw of the frontier.
10. Belle Starr – The Bandit Queen
Belle Starr, famously known as the “Bandit Queen,” cut a striking figure in the Wild West. Known for her ties to notorious outlaws like Jesse James and the Younger brothers, she was frequently accused of horse theft and harboring criminals. Her flair for drama and mystery only deepened after her unsolved murder in 1889.
11. Lottie Deno – The Poker Queen
Lottie Deno, a legendary gambler, dominated the saloons of the Wild West with her poker skills. Known for her refined manners and fierce intelligence, she earned her fortune at the card table. Though not an outlaw in the violent sense, her independence and success made her a standout figure.
12. Dora Hand – The Saloon Singer Shot Dead
Dora Hand was a celebrated singer in Dodge City, whose tragic death came at the hands of a smitten suitor. Shot accidentally during an attempted murder of her companion, Dora became a symbol of the chaotic and often deadly nature of frontier life. Her story is a reminder that even those who didn’t live outside the law weren’t safe from the Wild West’s dangers.
