Thursday, January 29, 2015

Annie Oakley and the Salisbury Train Wreck

Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show came to Charlotte in 1901

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 This blog post is dedicated to Joe DePriest, long-time Observer reporter who retired this week. Joe loved local history and told me about this fascinating story. We'll miss you, Joe!
 

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   On October 28, 1901 a 'surge of humanity' flocked to Latta Park to see Annie Oakley and other Wild West Show acts. No one foresaw the wreck of Buffalo Bill's show train that night near Salisbury.

Oakley was especially affected by the accident. See below how it changed her life.


October 27, 1901


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 October 29, 1901


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But just after the train pulled out of Charlotte ...




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 UndatedPhoto courtesy The Annie Oakley Center at the Garst Museum

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After the horrific accident Annie Oakley wasn't the same.

 March 27, 1902

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Oakley recovered physically from the train accident but not until after temporary paralysis and five spinal operations.  She went on to perform on stage.

(And she pitched dandruff remedy!)
Charlotte Observer, April 30, 1905


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July 9, 1924



Annie Oakley passed away on in Ohio on November 3, 1926. She was 66.


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