Nan Aspinwall

Nan Jeanne Aspinwall Gable Lambell (February 2, 1880 in New York – October 24, 1964) was the first woman to ride on horseback across North America alone. She rode from San Francisco to New York from September 1, 1910 arriving on July 8, 1911 on a bet from Buffalo Bill, whose Wild West show she performed in with her husband. She rode her Thoroughbred mare, Lady Ellen, on the journey.

She was born in New York under the name Nan Jeanne Aspinwall. She performed as an oriental dancer as well as a horsewoman, sharpshooter, and roper. She also had a vaudeville act with her husband. She died in 1964.

Recognition

She was the subject of a 1960 Death Valley Days television feature about her ride. A book about her life was published in 2007.