Patricia McCormick, the American female bullfighter, is considered to be the first American woman to fight bulls professionally in Mexico.
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Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Patricia became enthralled with the art of Bullfighting after a trip to Mexico City with her family at the age of seven-years-old. The McCormick family eventually moved to Big Spring, Texas, where her passion for Bullfighting continued to grow.
After much perseverance, dedication, and training, Patricia debuted as a bullfighter in September 1951 in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. She joined the Matador's Union soon after and began bullfighting as a professional Matadora in January 1952. Throughout her decade-long career, she fought in 300 corridas throughout Mexico and Venezuela. Six times bulls gored her, once so seriously that a priest administered last rites.
Patricia McCormick authored her autobiography, Lady Bullfighter, in 1954.
Patricia is now retired and lives in Del Rio, Texas. She devotes much of her time to her artwork and occasionally makes public appearances and lectures on the art of bullfighting.
In the Spring of 2007, The Heritage Museum at Big Spring, Texas, opened a permanent exhibit in her honor.