Rowdy Texas Women Who Left Their Mark on History

When it comes to women in history, too often the focus is on dainty heroines, silent sacrifices, and soft smiles. BORING! Let’s turn our attention instead to the loud, the brash, the rowdy women who kicked in the doors and rewrote the rules, particularly here in Texas. These trailblazers weren’t here to sip tea and nod politely; they were here to make noise, and boy girl, did they deliver.

We begin with the queen of Texas rowdiness herself: Molly Ivins. Born and raised in Houston, Ivins was a journalist with a pen so sharp it could carve up a brisket at a backyard barbecue. She had zero patience for political nonsense and made a career out of roasting corrupt politicians. Her wit was as big as Texas, and she didn’t care who she offended. “Next time I tell you someone from Texas should not be president, please pay attention,” she famously wrote.

But rowdiness isn’t just about sharp tongues; sometimes, it’s about action. Enter Barbara Jordan, a Houston native who broke barriers left and right. As the first Black woman from the South elected to the U.S. Congress, Jordan made her mark with her commanding presence and razor-sharp intellect. During the Nixon impeachment hearings, her speech was a masterclass in holding power accountable. She didn’t just break the mold—she smashed it with a hammer and dared anyone to try putting it back together.

Let’s not forget the suffragettes. Sure, we all know about Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, but Texas had its own firebrand in Minnie Fisher Cunningham. This woman was a force of nature, fighting for women’s right to vote and leading the charge to make Texas the ninth state to ratify the 19th Amendment. Cunningham wasn’t afraid to ruffle feathers; she once quipped, “If you don’t vote, you’re a parasite on society.” Talk about tough love.

Even if you're not from Texas, you've no doubt heard the name Selena Quintanilla. This Queen of Tejano music hailed from Corpus Christi. Selena wasn’t rowdy in the traditional sense, but her groundbreaking career was a masterclass in defying expectations. She broke into a male-dominated industry, sang in a language she had to learn as an adolescent, and became a cultural icon. Her legacy? Timeless.

Then there’s Ann Richards, the feisty former governor of Texas. Richards had a knack for one-liners and a take-no-prisoners attitude. She famously said of George H.W. Bush, “Poor George, he was born with a silver foot in his mouth.” Richards didn’t just talk the talk; she walked the walk, championing women’s rights, education, and healthcare. She proved that you could be both tough as nails and sweet as honey, a combination that’s pure Texas gold.

Fun Fact! Johanna actually just gave away Ann Richards' Piano, which was passed down from her husband's uncle, who was friends with Ann's family. Legend has it, Ann learned how to play on that piano. It was in Johanna's house for a few years, but it was untuneable by the time they got it, so they never used it.

Of course, Texas wouldn’t be Texas without a little Wild West flair. Enter Bonnie Parker, the infamous partner in crime of Clyde Barrow. Sure, Bonnie’s methods were... unconventional (and, let’s be honest, illegal), but you can’t deny she was a woman who refused to play by society’s rules. Bonnie penned poetry, packed heat, and made headlines during the Great Depression. She’s a complicated figure, but if there’s one thing Texans love, it’s a rebel.

But not all rowdy women made their mark in politics or crime—some shattered glass ceilings in sports, science, and the arts. Take Babe Didrikson Zaharias, the Beaumont-born athlete who excelled in everything from track and field to golf. Babe didn’t just win medals; she obliterated records and left her competitors eating her dust. When criticized for not being “feminine” enough, she shot back, “It’s not enough to swing at the ball. You’ve got to loosen your girdle and really let the ball have it.”

The truth is, Texas history is filled with rowdy women who refused to sit down and shut up. They challenged norms, shattered stereotypes, and paved the way for future generations. Whether wielding pens, gavels, or six-shooters, these women left their mark in bold, unapologetic strokes.

So this Women’s History Month, let’s raise a glass (or a Shiner Bock) to the rowdy women of Texas. They made history loudly, proudly, and unforgettably.