From Out of The Dust Rose The Great Western!

 July 31, 2022

   Been awhile, but I still love the real woman behind The Great Western, who never seems to get her proper due:

Daily Whip Out: "Sarah Bowman"

AKA "The Great Western"

   And here she is floating among the clouds like the hazy, crazy dust storm she actually was.

Daily Whip Out:

"From Out of The Dust Rose The Great Western"

"She packed two six-shooters, and they all said she shore could use 'em."

—Jeff Ake, who met The Great Western at her "house" in Sonoita Valley, Arizona Territory in 1856

   And I love this great quote as well:

"She slew a Mexican who cut her across the cheek with his saber. She boasts a large scar on her cheek from this wound. She appears here modest and womanly not withstanding her great size and attire. She has on a crimson velvet waist, a pretty riding skirt and her head is surmounted by a gold laced cap of the Second Artillery. She is carrying pistols and a rifle. She reminds me of Joan of Arc and the days of chivalry."

—Sylvester W. Matson, a soldier at Fort Webster, 1852

   All of this is from the forthcoming book, "Hellraisers & Trailblazers: The Real Women of The Wild West." Not to mention, this:

Daily Whip Out:

"The Biggest Leg In Mexico"

"Who wants a wife with $15,000 and the biggest leg in Mexico? Come my beauties, don't all speak at once—who is the lucky man?"

—Sarah Bowman, AKA The Great Western, during the Mexican American War over Texas, mounted on a horse and riding by a column of soldiers. She had just been told she couldn't continue with the column unless she was married.