Martha Maxwell wasn't a cowgirl in the traditional sense, but she had pioneer spirit in abundance and broke boundaries as a self-taught taxidermist, who discovered a new species of owl in the 19th Century.

Please note: Oberlin College opened in 1837, not 1937 as I mistakenly said in the episode.

If you have any recommendations for cowgirls to feature in future episodes, please email [email protected]

Sources:

• Benson, M. (1986). Martha Maxwell: Rocky Mountain Naturalist.
• Brace, M. M. (1948). Thanks to Abigail: A Family Chronicle.
• McVey, J. (2005). Martha Maxwell: Natural History Pioneer