The Hidden Life of Charley Parkhurst: A 19th-Century Pioneer

Think about the boldest, most daring thing you’ve ever done. Now, imagine living a life so bold and so daring, that your biggest secrets weren’t uncovered until after your death. Charlotte Parkhurst’s story is one of grit, deception, and unexpected milestones—an ordinary name tied to an extraordinary life. You may not have heard of her, or you may know her by her pseudonym, Charley Parkhurst. I hope after reading her story here, you’ll wonder why Charley Parkhurst’s name isn’t etched in history alongside the greats. Today we’re taking a look into the story of a person who defied societal norms in ways you might never expect.

Early Life and Challenges

Charlotte Parkhurst was born in 1812 in New Hampshire. We’re so far removed from that era that some historical context can help us get a feel for the things that shaped Charlotte and what made her so remarkable. We don’t know much about her early family life, but we know that she was orphaned at an early age, which marked the start of an independent journey. Orphanage conditions during that time were typically pretty harsh. Opportunities for females, even those in better circumstances, were limited by societal norms. The orphanages in that time in New Hampshire were no exception, and placed additional restrictions on their girls.
This was also the onset of the War of 1812, the war with Great Britain, which was shaping the political and economical landscape of our young nation. We were also in the early days of the Industrial Revolution, shifting part of our society from agrarian to industrial work. The early years of the 19th century also marked a period of westward expansion. There was a push into our western frontier, the precursor days to the California Gold Rush.
We don’t have any record of when Charlotte began disguising herself as a boy, but speculation points toward it being a means of escape from the orphanage in her early teens. We also don’t have any indication that once Charlotte turned herself into Charley, she ever turned back. And why would she? As Charley Parkhurst, she could live life on her own terms, even as an orphan, in a way that Charlotte would never be allowed.

Career as a Stagecoach Driver

After escaping the orphanage, Charley Parkhurst worked with horses, probably starting out as a stable hand and doing the manual tasks. She was able to gain firsthand experience in handling the horses and the knowledge of driving a team. She likely apprenticed under or watched the skilled stagecoach drivers, learning the tricks and tactics of managing a six-horse team and navigating treacherous routes – and most stagecoach routes were treacherous routes.
Stagecoach companies put great value on drivers who could work the intense physical demands and deal with the dangers. Charley Parkhurst earned a reputation for her skill with the horses and coaches, her reliability, and her courage. She was employed by Wells Fargo and other prominent stage companies, especially during the California Gold Rush.
Stagecoaches and their drivers were frequent targets for highway robbers who were after gold, mail, and valuables. Charley earned a name for herself by standing her ground during an attempted robbery. Her calmness and quick thinking under pressure saved her cargo and her passengers. She lost an eye in an accident, granting her the nickname “One-Eyed Charley,” but she was still able to guide her horses through the rushing waters of a flooded river, ensuring the safety of the passengers and cargo of her coach.

A Pioneering Voter

It is significant that Charley Parkhurst was probably the first woman to vote in the United States, but it is also unfortunate that in 1868, she voted in disguise as a man. While her vote was that of a woman, and reflected the views of a woman, the breaking of the sex barrier wasn’t known until her death.
My feelings on this issue are complex. Charlotte/Charley was living life on her own terms, and that included exercising a right to vote, a right that was excluded to women, but a right that she claimed. I want to cheer her for claiming that right, but we simply don’t know enough about her to be able to say that, at the age of 56, having lived as a man in public, she still felt like a woman and voted the way she would have if she had been permitted to vote as a woman. Certainly, unless some health conditions interceded, she would have been reminded of her femininity with a certain regularity, but we’re missing so much of her intimate history.

Lessons for Today

Charlotte “Charley” Parkhurst’s life provides us with timeless lessons that resonate even today. Resilience, courage, determination – these characteristics of Charley Parkhurst can help us find inspiration for overcoming our own challenges and breaking the boundaries that hold us in. Let’s look at what we learn from Charlotte Parkhurst:

Defy the limitations that others have put on you. Society had limited her both as a girl and as an orphan. Combined, finding a place in society was going to be nearly impossible. We can challenge the stereotypes and preconceived notions in our own time. Pursue your own goals, regardless of the barriers society may impose.
Charlotte navigated a dangerous and male-domainated profession with legendary skill and bravery. She showed us that adaptability and grit can carry us along when the odds are against us. Life may require us to step out of our comfort zone. Embrace change, learn new skills, an tackle challenges head-on.
Charlotte lived the life she wanted, even if it meant keeping parts of herself hidden from the world. Stay true to your values and ambitions, even when the journey requires some difficult or unconventional choices.
Charley earned the respect of her peers and her passengers, not because of her gender, but because of her expertise and reliability as a stagecoach driver. Charlotte was capable of earning that respect, but it was only Charley Parkhurst who would be allowed to do so. Today, we can let our work and our character define us, rather than superficial labels or assumptions.

Your Turn

Now, let’s go back to that first statement I made, to think of your boldest move ever. What about Charley Parkhurst’s story inspires you? What can you do to live life more boldly on your own terms? Drop a comment below and let’s talk more about it!

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