Women of Wonder

They're strong. They're wild. They're brave. They're wonderful! They're America's folk heroines, brought to life on the stage. We know all the men: Paul Bunyan, Davy Crockett, John Henry, even Babe the Blue Ox. But how many of us know the larger-than-life gals who share the world of tall tales with them? Bess Call: The strongest woman of the frontier. When an Englishman comes looking to prove he's stronger than her famous brother Joe Call, Bess beats him in a competition of strength and throws him back across the Atlantic. Sal Fink: The daughter of legendary Mississippi River boatman Mike Fink was a formidable woman in her own right. With the help of her trusty thunderbolt, she smuggles slaves to freedom and fights off river pirates. Sweet Betsy from Pike: Betsy and her husband Ike trek across the country in their wagon to get to the California gold fields. Rosie the Riveter: When the United States entered World War II, "Rosie the Riveter" became the symbol for women workers in the American defense industries. Fewer women would be part of the large American workforce today without the example of the many, diverse Rosies.