Augusta Tabor – Wife of a Silver King
Augusta Pierce Tabor’s name is inextricably linked to the tumultuous history of the American West, particularly the silver boom in Colorado. She was the first wife of Horace Tabor, a man who rose from humble beginnings to become a mining magnate and one of the wealthiest individuals in the state. While Horace’s story is often told through the lens of his scandalous affair and subsequent marriage to Elizabeth "Baby Doe" McCourt, Augusta’s life is a compelling narrative of resilience, resourcefulness, and ultimate financial success, a stark contrast to the tragic decline of her former husband and his second wife. This is the story of Augusta Tabor, a woman whose life mirrored the dramatic shifts and fortunes of the American West.
Born Augusta Pierce to William B. Pierce and Lucy Eaton, she was one of ten children (seven daughters and three sons) growing up in the relative comfort of a middle-class household in Augusta, Maine. Little is known about her early life, but it’s evident that she received a proper education and possessed the skills and fortitude that would serve her well in the challenging years to come. It was in Augusta, Maine, that she met and began her courtship with Horace Tabor, a man destined for both immense wealth and profound misfortune. In 1857, Augusta Pierce became Augusta Tabor, embarking on a journey that would take her far from her familiar surroundings and thrust her into the heart of the American frontier.
The newly married couple ventured westward, seeking opportunity and a fresh start. They initially homesteaded a piece of land in Riley County, Kansas, an area that became known as "Tabor Valley." Life on the Kansas prairie was arduous. Augusta, accustomed to the more refined life in Maine, faced the harsh realities of frontier living, including the ever-present threat of rattlesnakes and encounters with Native American tribes. While some historical accounts suggest Augusta was apprehensive of the Native Americans, it’s important to acknowledge that the era was marked by significant cultural misunderstandings and conflict. Despite the challenges, they persevered for two years, working the land and building a life together. However, the lure of gold, whispers of its discovery in the western reaches of the Kansas Territory (present-day Colorado), soon proved too strong to resist.
The Tabors joined the throngs of prospectors and adventurers flocking to California Gulch, a bustling gold camp in the Colorado Rockies. Augusta’s arrival was a significant event; she was reportedly the first woman to venture into that remote and rugged area. Her presence immediately set her apart, and she quickly became an invaluable asset to the burgeoning community. Recognizing the needs of the predominantly male population, Augusta embraced a variety of roles. She became the camp’s cook, providing much-needed sustenance to the hardworking miners. She also served as a laundress, meticulously cleaning their clothes. Furthermore, she and Horace had brought gold scales. These scales became the means by which Augusta was the camp’s postmistress and banker, weighing the "dust" brought in by the miners. Her willingness to contribute and her practical skills endeared her to the miners, solidifying her place as a respected and integral member of the community. Augusta Tabor was not just a wife; she was a vital part of the gold rush economy.
The Tabors’ fortunes continued to rise, leading them to Leadville, Colorado, another boomtown fueled by the discovery of silver. It was here that Horace’s luck truly took a turn for the extraordinary. By "grubstaking" a couple of miners (providing them with supplies in exchange for a share of their findings), Horace struck it rich, becoming one of the wealthiest men in the state. The story goes that he invested a small amount of money, and the two miners found a vein of silver. Horace Tabor, with Augusta by his side, became a symbol of the American dream, a testament to the possibilities of hard work and a bit of good fortune. The couple enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, building grand homes and indulging in the luxuries that their newfound wealth afforded. But this prosperity was soon overshadowed by personal turmoil.
Horace’s newfound wealth, however, seemed to change him. He was drawn to Elizabeth "Baby Doe" McCourt, a beautiful and ambitious woman who captured his attention. The ensuing affair and subsequent divorce from Augusta Tabor created a scandal that reverberated throughout Denver society. This was a time when divorce was still considered a taboo, and the public nature of the affair amplified the shock and disapproval. Despite the pain and humiliation, Augusta maintained her composure and dignity. She was granted a substantial divorce settlement, allowing her to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
While Horace and Baby Doe continued their extravagant spending, ultimately losing their fortune and dying in poverty, Augusta demonstrated a remarkable level of financial acumen. She invested wisely and lived frugally, ensuring her long-term financial security. After the divorce, she relocated to Pasadena, California, seeking a fresh start and a more temperate climate. She died on February 1, 1895, a wealthy and respected woman. Her estate, valued at over $1.5 million, was left to her son, Maxcy. Augusta Tabor’s story is a testament to her resilience and financial savvy.
Augusta Tabor’s legacy is complex. She was a pioneer woman who played a crucial role in the early days of the Colorado gold rush. She was a resourceful and hardworking partner who contributed significantly to her husband’s initial success. She was also a victim of betrayal and public humiliation. However, she emerged from this personal crisis with her dignity intact and secured her financial future through prudent management and investment. In the end, Augusta Tabor’s story is a reminder that true wealth lies not only in material possessions but also in inner strength and the ability to adapt and overcome adversity. She outlived both Horace and Baby Doe, leaving behind a legacy of financial prudence and resilience.
The contrast between Augusta Tabor and Baby Doe is a study in character and resilience. While Baby Doe is often romanticized for her beauty and tragic fate, Augusta embodies the virtues of practicality, hard work, and financial responsibility. Her story is a reminder that success is not always defined by fleeting fame and fortune but by the ability to weather storms and build a lasting legacy.