Charlie Parkhurst

Have you ever been tricked? Charlie Parkhurst tricked a lot of people. When Charlie died, we found out the truth—Charlie was really Charlotte!

Charlotte was born in New Hampshire around 1812. She was orphaned at an early age, and her life changed. In order to survive, Charlotte became Charlie. She escaped from an orphanage by dressing as a boy. She learned that boys could get jobs, but little girls could not. Boys could learn trades; they could make a living. So she dressed in pants and boys’ things.

Charlie tried a few jobs, and “he” found his calling. Charlie worked as a stable boy. People saw that he was good with horses. This skill led to a great career. He learned to handle teams of horses. Stagecoach driving was the perfect job for him!

He could drive a stagecoach plum full of passengers, bags, mail, and gold dust. He would get it safely across the Sierra Nevada Mountains. For twenty years people rode safely across the mountains with Charlie. He proved that he was one of the best drivers. Everybody felt safe when they were with him. Charlie met outlaws twice. The first time, they got the box of money. It was full. The second time, Charlie was ready for them. He made sure the bandits didn't get what they were after.

The passengers watched from inside the stagecoach. When Charlie died, the coroner found out the truth. Charlie was a woman! She had done things women never dreamed of. She’d been the best stagecoach driver in the area. She had even voted for the president of the United States 50 years before women were allowed to vote!