Snapshots of Sheridan, 1980

These photos depicting Coffeen Street before it was widened and the construction of the Sheridan College's Dome, respectively, come from our Dick Lenz collection. Click on the images to enlarge them.

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Going Back to School, Circa 1900

From our Kelly Photo Collection, two pictures showing school life in Sheridan County in 1900. Click on the image you want to enlarge.

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1960s Mill Inn Renovation Photos from the Dick Lenz Collection

Two photos from the Dick Lenz collection depicting changes made to the Mill Inn during the 1960s. The Lenz collection is open and viewable  by the public. Click on the images to enlarge.

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How Calamity Jane Got Her Moniker...Sort Of?

Please note: The original post did not make it abundantly clear that Calamity Jane's autobiography, which was the core source for the post, is not the most reliable account of her life. She has a reputation for embellishment. With that in mind, what follows is just one of the more colorful versions of Jane's time in the Sheridan area--if she was ever here!

Martha Jane Canary, a.k.a. "Calamity Jane"--who met her lonely end 114 years ago on August 1st--garnered her nickname for an incident that [allegedly] took place near where Sheridan now sits. At least, according to Jane.

Sometime between 1872-1873*, Martha was riding with Captain Egan of the US Army near Goose Creek, during the "Nez Perce Outbreak." When she heard gunfire and noticed "the Captain reeling in his saddle," she swerved here horse, rode hard, and hefted him onto her saddle, saving Egan's hide. When he convalesced, he gave her the moniker of Calamity Jane.

Other versions exist, but we'll take this one (for now).

Source: Calamity Jane: The Woman and the Legend, by Dr. James D. McLaird, 2005.

*The dates Jane provided are incorrect as well. Oh Martha!

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