Stagecoach Mary, born Mary Fields in 1832, was the first African American woman to work as a mail carrier in the United States. She became known for her tough demeanor and remarkable skills as a stagecoach driver in the late 19th century, particularly in the Montana territory. Mary was hired by the United States Postal Service in 1895, delivering mail between Cascade and Fort Benton. Her reputation for reliability and fearlessness made her a local legend, and she often carried a pistol for protection. Mary Fields became an iconic figure in the history of the American West.