Born Phoebe Ann Moses in Ohio’s Darke County on August 13, 1860, Annie rose to stardom from humble roots. According to legend, in 1875, the famous marksman Frank Butler was accepting challenges from local marksmen when he took on young Annie Moses in a shooting match. Frank lost, 23 to 21. Later, whenever he said that he had purposely thrown the match, Annie would just flutter her eyes and smile. The couple was married within the year. Frank soon managed to get himself and Annie into Buffalo Bill’s “Wild West Show.”

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During her entrance, Annie waved and blew kisses to the audience. She was an ambidextrous shot who fired rapidly with unerring accuracy. On the rare occasions when she missed a shot, she immediately fired again. On occasion, she intentionally missed and then pretended to become petulant, stamping her feet in frustration, and throwing her hat. Then when she did hit the mark, the audience would roar louder than ever. Among her favorite shotguns were a Lancaster and a Francotte, her favorite rifles included a Winchester and a Marlin, and she used Colts and Smith and Wesson handguns equally well.

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During her tour of Europe, she met Prince Albert Edward during the Golden Jubilee. The Prince wanted to meet the cast members and when introduced to Annie, he extended his hand. Annie passed it by to shake the princess’ hand first. She told the prince, “You’ll have to forgive me, I’m an American, and in America, women come first.” In the fall of 1894, Annie Oakley performed in front of Thomas Edison’s moving-picture machine. Eventually, Annie and Frank retired to Cambridge, Maryland, where shooting remained a big part of their lives.

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(The Annie Oakley room is a suite that features 1 King size bed, 1 Queen Size sofa bed, a double lavatory, & a tub with a shower.  All rooms have wired and wireless internet & individual heat/ac.-Corner Room Facing North and East towards 5th Street, the Railroad Tracks, and Broadway)