3 Of Montana’s Most Legendary Cowgirls

We are halfway through March; if you didn't know, March is Women's History Month! To celebrate this important occasion, I want to shine a spotlight on some remarkable women who have paved the way in our beautiful state of Montana, particularly focusing on cowgirls.

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Marie Gibson (1894- 1933)

Marie Gibson was the perfect blend of grit and grace—a striking beauty with piercing blue eyes, a distinctive French accent, and could ride alongside the best cowboys. A career bronc and trick rider, she got her start in Havre, Montana, and quickly made a name for herself in the rodeo world.

Here are just a few of her incredible achievements:

• 1919 – Won Best Woman Bronc Rider at the Saskatoon rodeo, earning recognition from English royalty, including a personal audience with the Prince of Wales (future King Edward VIII).
• 1923 – Competed in Tex Austin's prestigious New York City rodeo, where only the top riders in North America were invited.
• 1924 – Performed at the British Empire Exhibition in London, riding daily despite multiple injuries.

Peggy Bell (1888-1982)

Peggy Bell, a trailblazing cowgirl from Great Falls, Montana, was as tough and skilled as any cowboy. Interestingly, she was the first white woman born in Great Falls, and by age nine, her gift for "horse whispering" was already evident. Her childhood was anything but easy—facing abuse at home, she sought refuge outdoors, where she honed her remarkable skills.

She later shared her experiences in When Montana and I Were Young, a book that captures the brutal yet beautiful reality of prairie life, weaving together stories of hardship and survival. A true pioneer, Peggy became a member of The Cowgirls in Great Falls and was honored with an induction into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame before her passing.

Alice Greenough (1902-1995)

Born on her family's horse and cattle ranch near Red Lodge, Montana, Alice Greenough is a cowgirl legend. She was the first true queen of rodeo. She learned to ride from her father, who was a guide for sportsmen in the Beartooth Mountains. His philosophy was that all his children needed to learn how to ride because if they were bucked off in those rocky areas, they probably wouldn't survive. Tough but true reasoning!

Here are just a few of her incredible achievements:

• 1975- First woman to be inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame.
• 1983 - Named in the National Cowboy Hall of Fame
• World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider: 1933, 1935, 1936, 1941
• Created the first women's barrel-racing event.
• Recognized as the "Best Woman Athlete by Birth State - Montana" by Sports Illustrated and CNN.

This is just a glimpse into the incredible lives of these Montana cowgirls. To dive deeper, visit the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame—whether in person or online—to explore their stories and many more legendary biographies.

Credit: Montana Cowboy Hall Of Fame