Kitty Leroy – Lady Gambler & Gunfighter
The annals of the American West are replete with figures who defied convention, carving out their own destinies in a landscape as unforgiving as it was alluring. Among these pioneers, few stories are as captivating and complex as that of Kitty Leroy. Born in 1850, this enigmatic woman navigated the treacherous terrain of the Wild West as a gunfighter, gambler, performer, and, according to some accounts, a prostitute. Regardless of the accuracy of the last claim, Kitty Leroy remains an icon, best known for her exceptional skill as a poker player, holding her own against the most seasoned gamblers of the era.
While the precise details of her early life remain shrouded in some mystery, it is believed that Kitty Leroy hailed from Michigan. By the tender age of ten, she was already showcasing her talents as a dancer, a testament to her innate ability to command attention and captivate audiences. As she matured, Kitty’s performances took her to the vibrant and often volatile world of dance halls and saloons. It was within these establishments that she honed not only her artistic skills but also developed a remarkable proficiency with weapons and games of chance, skills that would define her legend.
One of the most enduring tales surrounding Kitty Leroy involves her first marriage. As the story goes, her husband was the only man in town brave enough to allow her to shoot apples off his head. This daring feat, a symbol of trust and skill, speaks volumes about her reputation and the respect she commanded, even at a young age. However, Kitty was not one to be confined. Driven by ambition and a desire to expand her horizons, she set her sights on Texas, leaving her husband behind to pursue her dreams.
By the age of 20, Kitty had become a prominent entertainer in Dallas, Texas, captivating audiences with her performances. However, her restless spirit soon led her down a different path. She transitioned from dancing to dealing faro, a popular card game of the time, demonstrating her adaptability and her keen understanding of the gambling world. It was said that she never approached the faro tables without being armed with several knives and revolvers, a clear indication of her readiness to defend herself and her winnings.
Kitty’s reputation as a skilled gambler and marksman grew rapidly, solidifying her place among the legends of the Old West. Her unique sense of style further contributed to her mystique. She was known for her eclectic wardrobe, which ranged from traditionally masculine attire to extravagant, gypsy-inspired ensembles, reflecting her unconventional spirit and her refusal to conform to societal norms. During her time in Texas, she entered into her second marriage, and together, she and her new husband ventured west to California, seeking new opportunities and adventures.
The details surrounding Kitty’s third marriage are perhaps the most controversial and sensational. According to the tale, she married this man out of a sense of guilt. The story goes that the man became overly persistent in his affections for her, leading Kitty to challenge him to a fight. When he refused to fight a woman, she donned men’s clothing and challenged him again. During the ensuing altercation, she allegedly shot him. As he lay wounded, she called for a preacher and married him before he succumbed to his injuries. While the veracity of this account is debated, it adds to the lore surrounding Kitty Leroy, painting her as a complex and formidable figure.
The lure of gold eventually drew Kitty to the Black Hills of South Dakota. When the gold rush began, she made her way to the burgeoning boomtown of Deadwood in 1876. It is said that she arrived on the same wagon train that carried two other iconic figures of the West: Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Deadwood was a place where fortunes could be made and lost, and Kitty was determined to make her mark.
Upon arriving in Deadwood, Kitty opened the Mint Gambling Saloon, a venture that further solidified her position in the town’s social and economic landscape. It was here that she met her fourth husband, a German prospector who had struck it rich with a significant gold find. However, as the prospector’s gold dwindled, so did Kitty’s interest. The relationship soured, and she reportedly struck him over the head with a bottle before ejecting him from their home and her life, demonstrating her fierce independence and her pragmatic approach to relationships.
On June 11, 1877, Kitty married her fifth husband, Samuel R. Curley, in Deadwood. This union, however, would prove to be a fatal mistake. Curley was a jealous man, prone to fits of rage fueled by suspicions of infidelity. Their relationship was plagued by frequent arguments, often centered around alleged affairs with former husbands and other prominent figures, including Wild Bill Hickok and Sam Bass. The volatile dynamic between Kitty and Curley ultimately culminated in tragedy on December 7, 1877. In a fit of jealous rage, Curley shot and killed Kitty in the Lone Star Saloon before turning the gun on himself.
The following day, the townspeople of Deadwood, both fascinated and saddened by the tragic turn of events, reportedly laid out the bodies of Kitty and Curley for public viewing inside the saloon before they were buried together, a final, grim chapter in their tumultuous relationship.
A journalist, reflecting on Kitty’s life after her death, famously stated that the 28-year-old had “five husbands, seven revolvers, a dozen Bowie knives, and always went armed to the teeth.” This vivid description captures the essence of Kitty Leroy, a woman who embraced the dangers and opportunities of the Wild West with unwavering courage and determination.
While there is no definitive proof that Kitty Leroy worked as a prostitute, it is worth noting that many saloons in Deadwood offered such services. It is possible that she may have been a madam, managing other women who engaged in prostitution. Regardless of her involvement in the sex trade, her legacy as a skilled gambler and gunfighter remains undisputed.
Historical records indicate that Kitty Leroy had a daughter. Deadwood newspapers from the period suggest that her estate was bequeathed to her daughter, ensuring that her legacy would live on through her descendants.
Kitty Leroy’s life, though tragically short, was filled with adventure, ambition, and a fierce determination to forge her own path. She remains a captivating figure in the history of the American West, a testament to the courage and resilience of women who dared to defy convention and make their mark on a lawless and unpredictable frontier. Her story continues to be told and retold, ensuring that the legend of Kitty Leroy, the lady gambler and gunfighter, endures.