Mary Fields (c. 1832-1914), also known as Stagecoach Mary, was the first African-American female star route mail carrier in the United States.
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The local legend we’re talking about today wasn’t just a postal carrier -- she was a wild-west hero. She rode the hardened trails of Montana protecting cargo from thieves and wolves. Though she had a wicked temper and intimidating stature, she became a beloved folk hero during her lifetime. Meet Mary Fields, also known as Stagecoach Mary.
Mary Fields was born enslaved around 1832. Like most formerly enslaved people from history, her exact birthday and birthplace aren’t known, but some historians believe Mary was born in Tennessee. Though details about her childhood were lost, there are records of her working for enslavers in West Virginia. She was emancipated following the Civil War.
Afterwards, Mary decided to travel north along the Mississippi River, seeking an area of the country more sympathetic to formerly enslaved people. Along the way, she worked on steamboats as a servant and laundress. She settled down in an unlikely spot: the Ursuline Convent of the Sacred Heart in Toledo, Ohio.
It’s unclear why Mary settled in the convent to work as a groundskeeper. Some say she traveled there with a family friend, or the daughter of her former enslavers. Whatever her reason, Mary didn’t quite fit in among the disciplined nuns. She had quite the temper and a habit for cursing and drinking. She argued with the nuns for a higher salary and yelled at anyone who stepped on her freshly trimmed grass.
Mary eventually left Toledo and headed West -- most likely to care for the Sacred Heart convent’s Mother Superior, Mother Amadeus Dunne. Mother Dunne had moved to Montana for missionary work and there fell ill. When Mary caught wind that Mother Dunne was sick, she traveled to Cascade, Montana to nurse her back to health and work for a new convent nearby.
Though Mary was fiercely loyal, she wasn’t suited for convent life. She raucously drank in bars with men and wore men’s clothing. At one point, she and one of the convent’s male janitors got in an argument that escalated until both of them drew their guns. Though no guns were fired, the convent’s bishop had had enough and kicked Mary out.
Out of work, Mary did odd jobs to get by. Some say she tried opening a restaurant, which failed when she gave away too many free meals. Others say she opened up a laundry shop. But her love of hard liquor and gunfights quickly earned her a reputation in her new hometown..
In 1985, Mary’s infamy earned her a job with the postal service protecting mail along its delivery route in the harsh conditions of northern Montana. She was the second woman -- and first Black woman -- to hold this position, known as a Star Route carrier. Though Mary was already in her 60’s, this turned out to be the perfect job for her.
Mary grew famous for her fearlessness against all threats on the Montana trail. Legends say she fought back a whole pack of wolves with her rifle. Bandits didn’t stand a chance against her. She was a beloved figure in Cascade, known for her generosity and kindness toward children. The locals called her Stagecoach Mary, in honor of the vehicle she used to deliver mail.
Even after Mary retired from the position, she maintained her legendary reputation. Restaurants and bars gave her free food and drinks, and she even became the mascot for the town baseball team.
Mary Fields passed away on December 5, 1914. She had one of the most-attended funerals in Cascade history.
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