While researching for both exhibits, we came across the story of Mary Fields. While “Stagecoach Mary” is not from the Greater Oro Valley area, we found her place in history interesting and thought it should be shared.
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Mary Fields was born into slavery in Tennessee in about 1832. After emancipation, she worked on a riverboat on the Mississippi. While on the boat, it is believed she met Judge Edmund Dunne who offered her a job as a servant. Mary befriended the Judge’s sister, a nun, Mother Mary Amadeus Dunne. Sister Amadeus was given an assignment in Montana to establish a school for Native American girls. Mary joined Sister Amadeus and became her caregiver when the nun became ill.
While at the convent, Mary engaged in a variety of other tasks as well. Because of her large stature (6’), Mary was given physically demanding jobs and handled them well. Her manner was gruff and she was not easily intimidated. When she challenged a subordinate at the nunnery to a duel, the bishop dismissed Mary after her 10 years of employment.
Mary went on to open her own bar in Cascade (which failed), then a laundry (it burned down).
At the age of 60, Mary became a Star Route Mail Carrier (independent contractor) for the United States Post Office. She was the first Black woman in that position and the second female carrier in the United States. While perched on a stagecoach driving a team of horses, Mary delivered the mail through the Montana wilderness carrying a .38 Smith & Wesson pistol as well as a rifle. She battled the elements, wolves and thieves. Mary retired when her age caught up with her. Despite her brusque manner, Mary had a heart of gold and was beloved by the residents of Cascade. When she retired, the community rallied to support her until her death in 1914. Her funeral was one of the largest ever seen in Cascade.
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Saturday will be the last day to see the OVHS exhibit celebrating Black History Month. (The exhibit is open on February 26 from 9 to 11 at the Pusch House at Steam Pump Ranch.) “Wonder Women of Oro Valley and Beyond”, will begin on Saturday, March 5 from (9 to Noon) at the Pusch House Museum. Check the OVHS website for March exhibit and outdoor walking tour hours and dates. And if you want to become a research “detective” volunteer through the website. www.ovhistory.org
