Martha Jane Canary “Calamity Jane” was born May 1, 1852, and was an American frontierswoman and professional scout best known for being an acquaintance of Wild Bill Hickok. She appeared in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show and at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition.
There are few substantiated facts about Calamity Jane’s life, but a great deal of legends were promoted by Jane herself. An orphan at an early age, she grew up illiterate and poor, taking any work to survive, including prostitution. “Jane” was known for her habit of wearing men’s attire and suffered from alcoholism and depression. She is also remembered for her kindness and compassion to others, particularly the sick and needy.