Leading Madames of the Old West

The American West, a land of rugged landscapes and boundless opportunity, attracted a diverse population in the 19th century. Among those seeking fortune and a new life were the miners, cowboys, entrepreneurs, and, inevitably, those who catered to their needs and desires. As the saying went, "First came the miners to work in the mine, next came the ladies who lived on the line." This "line" referred to the burgeoning world of prostitution, an industry that thrived in the boomtowns and settlements across the West, giving rise to a unique figure: the leading madames of the Old West.

These were women who, for various reasons, found themselves managing or owning brothels, ranging from simple "cribs" to opulent "parlor houses." While often stigmatized by mainstream society, they were also shrewd businesswomen, community figures (albeit controversial ones), and, in some cases, even legends in their own right. Their stories offer a fascinating glimpse into the complex social and economic dynamics of the era.

The world of prostitution in the Old West was stratified. At the lower end were the "cribs," small, often squalid rooms where women offered their services for a pittance. In contrast, the "parlor houses" were establishments that catered to a wealthier clientele. These were often lavishly decorated, featuring fine furniture, elegant dining rooms, and a selection of attractive and well-dressed women. It was in these leading madames of the Old West ruled.

The leading madames of the Old West were not merely providers of illicit services; they were entrepreneurs, managers, and often surrogate mothers to the women who worked for them. Many had themselves worked as prostitutes before rising to the position of madame, having "paid their dues," and possessed a deep understanding of the business and its risks.

The role of a madame was multifaceted. She was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the brothel, which included hiring and managing the women, setting prices, maintaining the property, and ensuring the safety and security of her establishment. This often involved hiring "bouncers" to deal with unruly customers or any potential threats. The leading madames of the Old West had to be strong and assertive to maintain order in such an environment.

Financially, running a parlor house could be quite lucrative. Successful leading madames of the Old West amassed significant wealth, investing in real estate, livestock, and other ventures. They understood the importance of providing a high-quality experience for their customers, offering fine dining, choice cigars, bonded bourbon, and the finest liquors and wines. Champagne suppers and singalongs around the piano were common features in these establishments.

The division of income between the madame and the women working for her varied from house to house. Typically, the madame would take a percentage of the earnings, the amount depending on the specific arrangements and the services provided by the madame. These services could include room and board, protection, and even medical care. Some madames also profited significantly from the sale of alcohol, either by retaining all the revenue or by offering the women a commission to encourage them to sell high-priced drinks to the customers.

Beyond the financial aspects, the leading madames of the Old West also provided a degree of protection and support for the women in their employ. In a society that often marginalized and stigmatized prostitutes, the brothel could be a place of relative safety and stability. The madame might act as a mediator in disputes, provide financial assistance in times of need, and even offer emotional support.

The leading madames of the Old West understood the importance of maintaining a certain level of respectability, at least on the surface. They often insisted that their girls wore corsets and behaved politely in the public areas of the brothel, and they generally forbade "rough stuff." This was partly to attract a more affluent clientele and partly to avoid attracting unwanted attention from law enforcement or vigilante groups.

Despite the illicit nature of their business, madames often played a role in the community. They were expected to contribute to local charities and often paid taxes and fines to corrupt police officials. While their contributions might have been motivated by self-interest or a desire to curry favor with the authorities, they nonetheless helped to support the infrastructure and social services of the towns and cities in which they operated.

However, the era of the prosperous madames was not to last forever. As the 19th century drew to a close, a wave of moral reform swept across the nation, targeting prostitution and other vices. At the turn of the century, moral reform began to change the free environment that had allowed the leading madames of the Old West to thrive. The leading madames of the Old West, their "soiled doves," fancy parlor houses, and lowly cribs began to be pushed out of the public eye, at least as they had existed in such a public way.

While the lives of these women were often fraught with hardship and risk, they also represent a unique chapter in American history. Some of the more famous examples include:

• Diamond Lil Davenport: Madam of Skagway, Alaska, during the Klondike Gold Rush, known for her flamboyant personality and opulent establishment.

• Eleanore Dumont ("Madame Mustache"): A sophisticated gambler and madam who operated in several Western towns, recognizable by the faint mustache on her upper lip.

• Dora DuFran: The Black Hills’ Leading Madam, known for her elegant parlor house in Deadwood, South Dakota, and her shrewd business acumen.

• Josephine "Chicago Joe" Hensley: Queen of Helena, Montana, a charismatic madam who built a successful brothel and became a prominent figure in the community.

• Mollie Johnson: Queen of the Deadwood Blondes, known for her selection of attractive blonde women and her lavish parties.

• Fannie Porter: San Antonio’s Famous Madame, whose brothel catered to a clientele that included members of the Wild Bunch gang.

• Pearl de Vere: Soiled Dove of Cripple Creek, Colorado, a glamorous and ambitious madam who ran one of the most luxurious brothels in the West.

• Texas Madame Squirrel Tooth Alice: A colorful character known for her unique dental feature and her long career in the brothel business.

These women, and many others like them, left their mark on the history of the American West. Their stories are a reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of the era, a time of both great opportunity and profound social inequality. The leading madames of the Old West were complex figures who navigated a challenging world with a combination of shrewdness, resilience, and determination. Their legacies continue to fascinate and intrigue us today.