Part 1 of 2 - Calamity Jane

One of the biggest myths of the American Old West is that of Calamity Jane. She looked and acted like a man, shot like a cowboy, drank like a fish, and exaggerated the tales of her life to any and all who would listen. Even though Jane was a real person, very few details of her life can be nailed down with certainty. Much of what is known about her early life comes from an autobiography she wrote to be sold at Old West museums as an added attraction to them, and Jane was well known for embellishing tales about her life and adventures. Here is what is known and probably true about the life of the woman known as Calamity Jane.