CL HISTORY SPOTLIGHT: MARY FIELDS
Thursday, October 15, 2009

Born a slave in Tennessee on May 15, 1832, Mary Fields grew up an orphan, never married and had any children. But she was admired and respected for holding her own and living her own way in a world where the odds were stacked against her. While African Americans and women of any race enjoyed little freedom anywhere in the world, Mary Fields enjoyed more freedom than most white men.
At the end of the Civil War, the 6-foot tall and 200 pounds Fields headed to Montana in search of opportunity and was hired to do heavy work for the nuns at a Catholic convent in Cascade. Fields carried a pair of six-shooters and a 10 gauge and loved the children of Cascade County. The tough, short-tempered woman had a standing bet that she could knock a man out with one punch, and she never lost a dime to anyone foolish enough to take her up on that bet. She was also the only woman of reputable character in Cascade allowed to drink in the local bar as ordered by the mayor. But this tough woman also had a caring side to her.
Mary Fields helped build the St. Peter’s mission school and supported the local baseball team as its No. 1 fan, preparing buttonhole bouquets of flowers for each player from her own garden, with larger bouquets reserved for home-run hitters. After opening her own cafe with the help of the nuns, she closed shortly thereafter because she fed the hungry who were unable to pay (although rumors suggested her cooking was horrible).
After Bishop Brondell, the first Catholic bishop in Montana, received complaints about her behavior (the fights, the drinking and smoking), he told the convent that Mary Fields must leave. The nuns helped secure a mail route for her and Fields became the second woman in the country to manage a mail route. They even supplied her with a wagon and a team of horses for the route. Mary became a legend known as “Stagecoach Mary” for her unfailing reliability as she never missed a day on the job.
Fields retired from stagecoach driving at the age of 70 and opened a laundry business. The people of the town thought so highly of her that on her birthday they would close the local school in her honor. She would then buy candy and treats for the children. Fields was also treated to free meals at the New Cascade Hotel for the rest of her life when it was leased in 1910. Two years later, when her home (and laundry business) burned down, the citizens built her a new one.
Sensing that the end was near in 1914, Fields took some blankets and went into the tall weeds near her home. Some children playing nearby found her lying there, and she was taken to the hospital where she died a few days later. She was buried in a small cemetery alongside the road between Cascade and St. Peter’s Mission that she had traveled so many times during her life. Her grave is marked with a simple cross.






136 Comments
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76.
POSITIVE CHICK
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
CL, PLEASE DO MORE OF THESE!!
Our people need to know this history. She was the first REAL Independent Woman
77.
JUDAH
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
@ Lynn
Damn, lmao. You seem very angry. Has a man knocked you out? Lemme find out you that dog next to her in the picture….
78.
JUDAH
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
@That’s How they get You
Sojourner Truth’s children are irrelevant. She was a known l*sbian. Governor McGreevey has children too lol. Let’s establish something. I don’t give a damn if the vast majority of black women embrace feminism. It is what it is, and it’s really more of a manifestation of black women’s obsession with white women, who are the true initiators of the feminist movement through the theosophical society and the worship of the Queen Mother goddess of the ancients. The point is to establish l*sbianism as the lineal preogenitor of the mindset called feminism today. Once that is established, then the awake know what they are dealing with in actuality. While the sisters are embracing feminism; they will also be forced to embrace the offshoots of that, which are the highest rate of abortion, venereal disease, and the lowest rate of marriage.
@ KIDDO
I’m writing from your living room computer. You don’t remember me? I’m boyfriend number 7,632.
79.
LOL
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
OH LAWD NOW SEE THESE COMMENTS DONE LIT A FIRE UNDER JUDAH’S A$$ AND GOT HIM ALL RILED UP LOL!
80.
KIDDO
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
@JUDAH
I don’t get it? lol.
81.
KIDDO
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
@JUDAH
Oh okay! that’s your jail cell number! LOL!
82.
CHICKEN GREASE JANE
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
YESS MAM……..ITS APPARENT SHE WAS A DYKE….OOH QUEEN LATIFAH COULD PLAY HER…..I LIKE THIS CHICK THO , SHE WOULD BE A TRIP TO PLAY CARDS WIT, CURSING AND FIGHTING AND TRYING TO GET MY PANTIES…..NO MAM…….
83.
dat chick
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
Bump Judah!! neways back to Ms. Mary!! my grandama was like that God bless her soul… she was about six foot 200lbs… and had everyone in the community in check…. when we got into with other kids parents and grandparent use to step outside and be like LEAVE LENA GRANDCHILDREN ALONE!!! don’t get that woman rowled up… I understood what that meant when i got older she was known as one not to be played with LOL!! and I remember her calling in neighborhood kids who mom were on rock, and be like come on in here and eat you some hot food, (red beans, corn bread rice, tea mmmm) and while they were eating she was telling them how they mammy aint S**t LOL!! I know what its like to be around a strong powerful woman
84.
dat chick
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
strong in all ways strength and compassion
85.
mimi
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
NEVER KNEW OF HER, THANKS ALOT CL..THAT GUN CAUGHT ME OFF GUARD THO!
86.
mimi
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
NEVER KNEW OF HER, THANKS ALOT CL..THAT GUN CAUGHT ME OFF GUARD THO!
87.
LOVE
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
I love this write up, keep them coming! How about more book reviews though? I loved when you did the last one. I especially like the strength of this woman, Black woman are ashamed of our strength these days, and try to hide it to appeal to the masses.
88.
alicia
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
thanks cl i really never heard of this woman, in our history class they teach you the same ones every years, no matter what grade, douglas, tubman, luther, carver etc. thanks
89.
Maya
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
What a wonderful story. I would love to have met her.
90.
mo betta
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
I luv my history. American history that is….
91.
LuvRayne
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
Great article CL…I learned something new today.
92.
*****
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
I DON’T GET IT. WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT HER. SMH
YOU PEOPLE ARE SO EASILY IMPRESSED.
93.
Kortney
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
Wow…..great history. Good to know, thanks CL!!!!!
94.
QueenEarth
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
Wow, I remember stories of “Stagecoach Mary”. Thank you for posting her story and RIP Mother Mary.
95.
PEEPLPAYATTENSHUN
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
NICE WRITE UP J…
FOR SOME REASON THIS STORY REALLY DREW ME INTO IT.
96.
BLACKmoneyBROKER
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
I bet she told that dog to sit the F*ck down and shut the F*ck up, and that damn dog still there skeletoned out!
97.
Lynn
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
@#77 Judah, no illiterate thats not me in the picture…… thats your Moms man, don’t you recognize her??????????? WOOF!!!!!
I understand why you would see my comment as angry. This comment is coming from someone who statstically suffers from mental illness so I see that I am not dealing with anyone who is of sound mind. So I DECIDED to go easy on you. You black men can dish your shit but you can’t take it. Well as long as I am on here I have now made you my honorary bitch and you will take it ..like you are right now up your ass. How’s it like being passed around in there???? Well that should be nothing new to you as black man you must have fucked everyone on your block. Man how are all you 10 kids. Sorry I meant 12 I did not mean to leave out lil man man and his half brother ray ray…
isn’t there birthdays coming up soon? Perhaps I can get them some tin cans with string attached to it? What do you think? Nice gift huh… I do not want to lavish them to much though with educational material because that is not something they are used to and why would they be your their DADDY!!
98.
asunkee
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
Sexuality has NOTHING to do with this post! It’s absolutely ridiculous that people read this post and start thinking about who this woman would sleep with rather than the respect she was able to attain despite the time period. SMH @ perverts.
99.
Tell it like it is
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
Prime example of a “strong Black woman” not a “powerful” Black woman. Back in the day (and now) our women were viewed as being not feminine. When the railroads were being built the overseers would dress the men and women alike to ease his conscious of having women do the same brutal labor as the men. Sure she was tough, the she possessed brute strength and was well loved in her community….but where was her power of influence.
Remember Sojourner Truth’s - Ain’t I a Woman? Power has the ability to change lives and influence others. I am not taking anything away from Mary Fields but Truth stepped beyond her brute strength and used her intelligence to have a much lasting influence.
We have always been strong but as I’ve said earlier strong is like a pack animal, able to take the abuse life brings you and still remain standing….Powerful women go beyond and influence others for generations.
We need to flex our femininity and our power… and stop being pack animals for the Black community.
100.
amarie
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
Seems like a very commendable woman. This shows that we as people can do anything we want with a little determination and diligence. If she could do so much for herself in the 19th century, there is no excuse for anyone in this world. Appreciate CL posting this, this just gave me a little more determination!
101.
virgo
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
CL, Please start doing a Weekly or Daily Black History fact. We as Black people REALLY need to brush up on our History
Thank you for this information!
102.
kimepoo
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
Thanks for bringing the Spotlight segment of your blog back! I was missing it for awhile. Love this choice. So unexpected and informative. I said Wow a couple of times while reading this. Keep up the good work and thanks for continuing to bring unknown and/or forgotten African Americans back to the forefront!
103.
chi town
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
ooohhhhh LYNN & JUDAH lol in here fighting and making sterotypes about blacks ppl. smh tis tis thats almost worst
than white on black racist jargon. lol tho bc fights are good entertainment at times but what you 2 babies are doing is deep. judah, as crazy as his topic was, kind of warrants ponderation. (ponderation wat?)
@82…um you can play cards wit me. im awsome and narli (wink wink)
104.
chi town
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
and yeah angel do more of these webments(like segments) i would like to nominate Chicago’s own George Jackson….then I would like to nominate the great John Henrik Clark and lastly my main man Inspector Gadget danna dannna dunt whooooo whooooo
105.
Holleywood
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
Thanks J. Dakar. I always enjoy reading your post.
Hey I have one question…. Tee shirts? (LOL)
106.
MW09
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
Wow!! What an amazing woman!! I’m so glad you guys did a post about her, she would’ve been lost to be if you hadn’t. This IS why I love this site, these features are always a very welcome departure from the norm.
107.
DCTRINIGYALL
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
Amazing woman right there! Thanks CL
108.
Alicias a homewrecker
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
At least this lady wasn’t a homewrecker.
More power to her…keep the posts coming.
109.
WHO GONE STOP ME BOO?
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
What an amazing and fascinating woman! Thanks for the history lesson CL. Her story is inspirational and intriguing. It couldn’t have been easy for her during that time period. All I can say is WOW!!
110.
Mother Jefferson
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
Wow, she was the original Madea.
111.
JUDAH
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
@Lynn
Lmao, you back? I didn’t even throw a stick. Oh yeah, some black man definitely beat on you like a set of congas didn’t he? “Cheated” on you? Left you? Lmao, sorry. That’s no reason to turn dyke sister. Unless you look like Mary. You must, because you are in a a phenomenal rage lmao. You should balance out that problem by being a little happier. Maybe then a negro won’t hit you with that left and that right. Worst come to worst, remember to keep your chin tucked when he’s on the offensive. Duck, roll, grab the phone, and call the cops. In all seriousness you obviously have penile envy lol. You one of those dykes that rocks the timbs and the fitted cap? You tatted up, lmao? I get a kick out of messing with characters like yourself.
112.
AWJ12687
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
Now that was an interesting read she was a fascinating woman. Glad I took the time out to read this fully I rarely do it.
113.
J Boy
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
I LOVE U WANDA.
114.
EnameL
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
YALL BETTER RECOGNIZE… STAND UP!
115.
MissCSE
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
I was reading on CNN about Tom Joyner getting a pardon for his great-uncles for a murder they didn’t commit and then I read this story afterward. I feel like there is a missing link when it comes to African-America history, something that helps ferment pride and purpose in this country. I always loved learning about our history. Thank you CL for sharing this.
116.
KS
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
And Trina calls herself the “baddest bitch” lol. I would have loved to meet this woman
117.
NAY
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
A blast from the past!
It’s wonderful how the good is remembered!!!!!
I hope I leave a mouth full of good when I leave this earth!!!!!!!!!!
Read and learn!
Read and learn my black people !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
118.
elle
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
so, we’re just going to assume judah is in jail because he has an difference of opinion? he isn’t too far off.
i love learning new things about our history just like the next, but the ability to see through certain things are a must. this story seems strange. just my thoughts.
119.
Java
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
Wow I’m really interested on reading more on her…. amazing CL thank you so much
120.
R U SERIOUS??? NEW DC SOCIALITE BUT MADE MY OWN MONEY
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
Always giving us that knowledge, THANKS JDAKAR! Loved this one.
121.
peacekeeper
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
WANDA
Thursday, October 15, 2009 /
I think we as people of color really need to take a look at our ancestors.. Because the way we act today is not even a good look!
————————————————————————————————————–
I agree. Everyone should take time to learn what was going on before they were even thought about.
Nice read. Look foward to the next feature.
122.
lee
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
great post! thanks for the history lesson!
123.
The Wayno Show
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
Please keep these history highlights coming! I’m learning so much from these. Thanks!
124.
Stanled
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
CL, thank you for your continued support of African American history. The creators of this site are definitely doing their part in increasing awareness of these notable, but overlooked, historical figures. Keep up the good work.
125.
MissJoy
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
Nice lesson, CL! And I completely agree with comment number 2.
126.
IVORY'S INTELLECT
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
It’s a shame our contribution to history is overlooked. Whenever black ancestors do get a mention, it’s slavery and other times we’ve died. Historians ignore our achievements.
127.
chi town
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
historians have not ignored blacks accomplishments. they purposely do not mention them bc they want blacks to fall into sterotypical roles of bafoons and so forth. if they(white historians) show positive works, then ppl might just strive for such. duh, its called dumbing down. there is however plenty info out there…..seek and you shall find.
128.
Oh Okay lol
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
BLACK PEOPLE SO IGNORANT. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER SEEN PEOPLE THINK ABOUT WHO WAS A LESBIAN OR WHATEVER IN OUR BLACK HISTORY. WTF YALL NEED SOME SCHOOLING FOR REAL. THIS IS A FIRST. WHO THE HELL WOULD ASK THEMSELVES WAS SHE A LESBIAN?? WHO IS THINKING ABOUT THAT BESIDES THAT DAMN JUDAH? I AGREE HE PROBABLY IS DOING THIS FROM JAIL LOL YOU KNOW IMPRISONED PEOPLE HAVE A LOT TO THINK ABOUT WHILE THEY ARE ALONE. LOL
129.
Furious Styles
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
@ OH OK.
Let me see if I can help you………
First off don’t make blanket statements. The ignorance in this room comes from one source……”JUDAH”.
Judah is extremely hateful of women in general and of empowered women in particular and he loves to equate feminism with homosexuality which of course is utter nonsense.
I suggest you simply dismiss and excuse his comments and take full advantage of the historical perspective and glory of Mary Fields.
Judah at least is trying to educate himself by reading and his subjective views on the roles of women are just pedestrian and lack the intellectual structure to cause the type of damage he would like. I think he does this to get a reaction because he is very insecure. But you would make a huge mistake to sink to his level and take him seriously.
130.
hood_shit
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
I love CL for these!!!!!!!!!!
131.
hood_shit
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
lovin Furious Styles!
132.
Choco
Friday, October 16, 2009 /
Thank you so much for the enlightenment…very much appreciated…
133.
D
Saturday, October 17, 2009 /
great post. Keep it up!!!
134.
Auntie Noxy
Saturday, October 17, 2009 /
Great job Angel, thank you for this article. This is what makes you stand out above the rest.
135.
Sharon Wallace-Gray
Sunday, October 18, 2009 /
A great story-always nice to get some black history, keep em coming!
136.
A-TRAIN
Sunday, October 18, 2009 /
Thanks for this CL…the picture was the reason why I read the article but I wouldn’t have known anything about this woman had it not been posted. This is why I love CL!
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