Martha accomplished some pretty amazing things. While she was in Deadwood, there was a horrible smallpox epidemic. Eight men were dying of the disease, and Martha decided to nurse them back to health with only “Epsom salts and cream of tartar”. While three of the men perished, Martha managed to save five lives. While on her way out of Deadwood, Martha spotted a stagecoach being pursued by Indians. She commandeered the coach and took the dead driver and six passengers to safety. Before Martha left Deadwood, she enticed magazine writers to incorporate her into articles regarding early Deadwood. This was most likely the beginning of the “legendary” stories about Calamity Jane. After Deadwood, Martha traveled with the Seventh Cavalry to Bear Butte Creek, where they built Fort Meade and the town of Sturgis. Then, Martha ventured to California, and continued onto Texas, where she met and married Clinton Burk in August of 1885. Two years later, Martha reportedly gave birth to a child. It is unknown what became of the child, but it is likely that it was immediately put up for adoption. Martha was reported to have traveled through various states throughout the next few years. During this time, Martha tried to sell her life story in an attempt to get money. In 1895, Martha found herself in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. She performed in Minneapolis, Chicago, St. Louis, and Kansas City. Her wonderful skills with gun and horse awed the audience. Calamity Jane became a sight to see.
