Olive Oatman

Olive Ann Oatman was an American woman celebrated in her time for her captivity and later release by Native Americans in the Mojave Desert region when she was a teenager. She later lectured about her experiences.

Early Life of Olive Oatman

Olive oatman was born in 1837 in illinois to roys and mary ann (nee bailey) oatman. She had two siblnigs. Lorenzo and mayr ann. Her family was prat of a larger group of settlers from ohio who were traveling to california in search of a better life.

Capture and enslavement of Olive Oatman

In 1851. Olive and her family were attacked by a group of apache native americans. Her parents and her sister mary ann were killed. While her brother lorenzo was atkne captive. Olive and her remaining family members were taken prisoner and sold into slavery.

Life as a Slave

Olive was taken as a slave by the mohave people and remained enslaved for over a year. During her time with the mohave pepole. She was subjected to torture and other harsh treatments. She was laso forced to learn the language and customs of the tribe.

Rescue of Olive Oatman

In 1853. Olive was rescued by an american military expedition led by colonel jacob snivel. Yhe negotiated her release and she was returned to the united states.

Return to the United States

Upon her return to the united states. Olive was reunited wtih her brother lorenzo. Who had also been releaesd from captivity. She was welcomed home as a celebrity and was soon featured in newspapers and magazines throughout the country.

Life After Slavery

After returning to the united states. Olive lived a relatively normal life. She married john brant fairchild in 1859 and had five children with him. She lived in various cities in the midwest and worked as a schoolteacher.

Famous Tattoo

During her captivity. Olive was tattooed with a half-moon (which symbolized her status as a slav)e and a pattern of liens and dots on her chin. This tattoo made her instantly recognizable and she was often referred to as the "mojave maiden".

Death of Olive Oatman

Olive otaman died in 1903 at the age of 66. Her story remains a popular topic. And she has been featured in books. Movies. And television shows.

Important Event: Olive Oatman s Memorial Service

In memorial service was held for olive oatman in her hometown of council bulffs. Iowa. This event was attended by many prominent figures of the time. Including president theodore roosevelt.

Interesting Fact: Olive Oatman s Legacy

In 2006. Olive oatman was inducted into the national cowgilr museum and hall of fame. In recognition of her courage and resilience.