Phyllis Brown
Heroes can come from every nook and cranny all over the world. They could be some big-shot political figure, an acclaimed athlete, or even your local mailman.
Well, the great Mary Fields belongs to the latter category, as she’s the first African-American mailman, or should I say, mailwoman, in the US Postal Service. However, her inspirational journey was far from easy.
Mary Fields, a trailblazer in American history, stands tall not just in stature but also in legacy. When Fields was born, the timeline wasn’t exactly favorable for her community.
Born into slavery around 1832 in Hickman County, Tennessee, Fields was a formidable figure, both in her physical height of over six feet and in the strength of her character. Fields also weighed approximately 200 pounds (91 kg), enabling her to do heavy work that was meant for men.
After the Civil War, Fields gained her freedom and eventually found her way to Cascade, a small town in Montana. Here, she nursed a nun known as Mother Amadeus back to health as the latter was diagnosed with pneumonia.
However, since Fields was often seen drinking with men at saloons and even got into a fight one time, she was dismissed from the Ursuline Convent.
Trying to make a living, Fields attempted to open a restaurant in the town, but her cooking skills simply weren’t enough.
Besides, Fields’ overwhelming generosity allowed her to let customers eat for free from time to time, so the business was closed down within just a year.
However, her life then took a turn that would etch her name into history; she became the first African-American woman to work for the United States Postal Service.
Despite facing racial and gender prejudices, Fields broke through societal barriers with her indomitable spirit.
In 1895, she secured a contract with the USPS, thanks to her unmatched speed and efficiency in a competition designed to award mail delivery contracts, thus becoming a symbol of resilience and perseverance across the industry.
Fields, known affectionately as “Stagecoach Mary,” earned her nickname through her unwavering dedication to her postal route, regardless of the harsh weather conditions or rugged terrains.
Her reliability and commitment to ensuring mail delivery, and driving a stagecoach pulled by horses, made her a beloved figure in the local community, and a trusty mailwoman that everyone could rely on.
After working for the postal service for eight years, Fields retired and opened a laundry service in her residence, babysat children, smoked cigars, and drank to her heart’s content in the local saloon.
If anything, after all she had done for the US Postal Service, Stagecoach Mary deserves every bit of her peaceful retirement.
Mary Fields’ most significant accomplishment lies not just in her groundbreaking role but also in her ability to navigate and overcome the challenges that came with being a black woman in post-Civil War America, earning her a revered place in the annals of American history.
“Stagecoach Mary” was not just a mail carrier; she was a pioneer who paved the way for countless others to follow. Her story of courage, tenacity, and determination continues to inspire, making her a celebrated figure in American history. Now I want to be a mailman as well!
