Annie Wilkins: The Inspiring Journey of a Maine Farmer

Annie Wilkins Amazing Story: The Ride of Her Life

A Dream to See the Pacific Ocean

In 1954, Annie Wilkins, a determined sixty-three-year-old Maine Farmer, embarked on an extraordinary journey. Despite facing numerous hardships—failed marriages, the recent loss of her brother and father, financial struggles, and the loss of her farm—Annie had a singular dream: to visit the Pacific Ocean before her life expectancy of two years, as predicted by her doctor after her recovery from pneumonia. This journey was not just for her; it was a tribute to her late mother’s wish to see the ocean.

Taking Charge of Her Destiny

Instead of following her doctor’s advice to seek assistance from a state charity, Annie Wilkins took matters into her own hands. She sold homemade pickles and mortgaged her house to fund her cross-country trip. Accompanied by her cast-off brown gelding, Tarzan, and her loyal dog, Depeche Toi—whose name means “hurry up” in French Annie set off in mid-November, determined to beat the impending snow.

Encounters Along the Way

Annie’s brave journey was filled with unexpected encounters and generosity. Without a map and unaware of what lay ahead, she relied on her trusty horse and her unwavering belief in the kindness of strangers. Along her route, she met ordinary people and celebrities, including artist Andrew White, television host Art Linkletter, and comedian Groucho Marx.

Annie received numerous gifts and even a proposal for a permanent home at a riding studio in New Jersey. She found work at a rural gas station in Kentucky and was offered a marriage proposal from a Wyoming farmer.

Spreading Hope in the 1950s

As Annie Wilkins and her companions traveled, they brought hope to their neighbors in a rapidly changing America. The 1950s saw a rise in car ownership, the influence of television, and a culture of exploration. Annie’s journey resonated with many, and her spirit inspired those she met along the way.

Notably, renowned artist Andrew Wyeth visited Annie, celebrating their meeting over drinks. Annie collected many cherished experiences during her travels, which she later shared through letters with a friend in Minot.

A Tramp of Fate: Overcoming Challenges

Annie Wilkins’s journey was not without its hardships. She shared stories of sleeping in prisons and hotels, emphasizing the kindness she experienced from the people she met. As news of her remarkable journey spread, she often received police protection during her travels, and journalists sought her out for interviews.

In May 1955, Annie was featured on two radio and television channels in Missouri and visited local schools to share her incredible story. She sold self-portraits and postcards to fund her journey, showcasing her resilience and resourcefulness.

The Journey’s Conclusion

By December 1956, after nearly two years of travel, Annie reached Reading, California, where she finally witnessed the Pacific Ocean—a moment she had long dreamed of. Tragically, shortly before her planned appearance on the “Art Linkletter Show,” her packhorse, Rex, stepped on a rusty nail, leading to a fatal case of tetanus. Despite this loss, Annie remained in California for another year before returning to Maine in 1957.

Legacy and Reflection

After her journey, Annie settled in Lincoln County, Maine, with her dear friend, Mina Titus Sawyer. Together, they published a book in 1967 titled The Last of the Saddle Tramps, chronicling her adventures. Surpassing her doctor’s prognosis, Annie lived an additional 24 years, finally passing away at the age of 88 on February 19, 1980.

Annie Wilkins’ gravestone in Maple Grove Cemetery in Minot, ME, bears the inscription “the last of the saddle tramps,” a fitting tribute to her indomitable spirit and adventurous life.

Books Published about Annie Wilkins Story

The Ride of Her Life: The True Story of a Woman, Her Horse, and Their Last-Chance Journey Across America – Elizabeth Letts

You Can Buy Book Here : The Ride of Her Life

Last of the Saddle Tramps: One Woman’s Seven Thousand Mile Equestrian Odyssey – Mesannie Wilkins

You Can Buy Book Here : Last of the Saddle Tramps

Photos of Maine Farmer, Annie Wilkins

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