Annie Oakley and Frank Butler

Skilled rifle shots who inspired an American musical

Annie Oakley (Phoebe Anne "Annie" Oakley Mozee) of Darke County, Ohio, was a tomboy from the start, and soon became known as a skilled rifle shot. In 1881, the famous Baughman and Butler shooting act was performing in Cincinnati. Star of the show, champion shot Frank E. Butler, boasted that he could beat any local marksman.

Butler was amused when told a young woman had accepted his challenge. But Phoebe Ann won the contest. She also captured Butler's heart. They were married in 1882.

Butler abandoned his career to manage hers. As "Annie Oakley" she joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, performing into the 1920s.

Annie died in 1926. Her heartbroken husband died 18 days later. Their happy marriage had lasted 44 years. Irving Berlin immortalized this most American of love stories with his 1946 musical Annie Get Your Gun.

Famous Love Stories in History

Anthony and Cleopatra
The last Pharaon of Egypt and the dashing Roman general

Abelard and Heloise
A monk and a nun whose love letters became famous

Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal
Grieving emperor who built the Taj Mahal for his late wife

John Alden and Priscilla Mullins
One of the earliest romances in the American colonies

Abigail and John Adams
A half-century love affair during the Revolutionary War

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
English royalty who mourned her husband's death for 40 years

Robert and Elizabeth Browning
A secret courtship between two legendary poets

Marie and Pierre Curie
Partners in love and science

Annie Oakley and Frank Butler
Skilled rifle shots who inspired an American musical

Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne
Broadway couple who reigned for 55 years