American Folklore- Page 2

Joe Baldwin – In American folklore, a train conductor who was decapitated when his train was rammed by another train. The story dates back to 1867. In that year Joe Baldwin was

Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow In American history and folklore, the cow of Mrs. Patrick (Kate) O’Leary; it supposedly started the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 when it kicked over a lighted lantern while

Molly Pitcher (1754–1832) In American history and folklore of the Revolution, the popular name of Mary L. Hays McCauley, who earned her nickname “Molly Pitcher” by bringing pitcher after pitcher of cool

Mike Fink (1770–1823) In American folklore, a legendary keelboat man, the strongest ever. Mike Fink spent most of his time on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, but he was actually born near

Ruidoso In American western folklore, a big maverick steer that brought destruction on all who came in contact with it. At its death it turned into the ghost steer of the Pecos.

Painting depicting the story of Betsy Ross presenting the first American flag to General George Washington, by Edward Percy Moran Ross, Betsy (1752–1836) In American history and folklore, creator of the first

Rip Van Winkle: In American literary folklore, creation of Washington Irving in The Sketch Book. Rip, who lives with a shrewish wife, one day goes hunting in the Catskills with his dog.

Captain Kidd (1645–1701) In British and American history and folklore, popular name of William Kidd, privateer. Born in Scotland, Kidd came to New York City, where he ran a thriving ship business.

Calamity Jane (1848–1903) In U.S. history and folklore, popular name for Martha Jane Canary, noted for her marksmanship, who dressed as a man. She got her nickname in 1872 in a peculiar

Buffalo Bill (1846–1917) In American history and folklore, the popular name of William Frederick Cody, scout and showman. Born in Iowa, Buffalo Bill’s family moved West, where he had various jobs as