“Stagecoach Mary” Fields distinguished herself as the first African American woman star route mail carrier in the United States. Garnering a contract from the postal service, Stagecoach Mary served as an independent contractor to transport mail from Cascade, Montana, to surrounding areas. Protecting her cargo from thieves and bandits, she was the second woman in the United States to serve in that role.
Born a slave but freed in 1865, “Stagecoach Mary” smoked cigars, drank whiskey, cussed, and carried a rifle and revolver. She met trains with mail, then drove her stagecoach over rocky, rough roads through frigid weather. Thieves were intimidated by her height and daunting demeanor. However, she was beloved by locals for her generosity and kindness towards children.
Learn more about Stagecoach Mary from Lee Reed at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 10, at the Allen Public Library.
RosieLeetta “Lee” Reed is president of the Texas Buffalo Association, dedicated to preserving Texas history and the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers. A founding member of the Lakeside Riders, she participates in rodeos, parades, and honor guards. A recipient of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for “Outstanding Public Service Benefiting Communities,”
Reed continues to educate people about the history and heritage of Cowboys and Cowgirls of Color. She is also the health and wellness coordinator of the Huff Wagon Train Project that serves students from California and Texas. In this program, participants are required to board mule-drawn wagons and retrace the route of gold rush adventurer William P. Huff.
The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr. Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the program is free. Call 214-509-4911 for more information.