National Annie
Monday, January 19, 2026
The Making of a Legend. On Thanksgiving Day in 1875, the 15-year-old Moses entered a shooting contest against Frank Butler, a touring professional marksman. She won. The two married a year later, and by 1885 Annie Oakley had joined Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West show, where she performed for 17 years.During that time, Lakota leader Sitting Bull adopted her and gave her the name "Watanya Cicilla," meaning "Little Sure Shot." She also taught more than 15,000 women how to shoot, and during World War I offered to raise a regiment of female sharpshooters for the U.S. government
History
The Making of a Legend. On Thanksgiving Day in 1875, the 15-year-old Moses entered a shooting contest against Frank Butler, a touring professional marksman. She won. The two married a year later, and by 1885 Annie Oakley had joined Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West show, where she performed for 17 years.During that time, Lakota leader Sitting Bull adopted her and gave her the name "Watanya Cicilla," meaning "Little Sure Shot." She also taught more than 15,000 women how to shoot, and during World War I offered to raise a regiment of female sharpshooters for the U.S. government
How It's Celebrated
National Annie is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.