Monument to a Prostitute in Lusk, Wyoming
On the vast, windswept plains of eastern Wyoming, a unique and somewhat controversial landmark stands as a testament to a bygone era. Here, amidst the rugged beauty of the American West, resides what is believed to be the only monument in the United States dedicated to a prostitute. This unusual memorial, erected in 1964, commemorates the life of a woman known as "Featherlegs," a figure who, despite her profession, seemingly earned a place in the hearts and, arguably, the history of the region.
The story of Featherlegs is intertwined with the history of the Cheyenne-Deadwood Stage Road, a vital artery of commerce and communication in the late 19th century. This route, bustling with stagecoaches, prospectors, and adventurers, created a demand for services, both legitimate and illicit. It was in this environment that Featherlegs established her presence, leaving a lasting, albeit unconventional, legacy.
Back in 1876, near Muskrat Canyon along the Silver Springs Road, Charlotte "Mother Featherlegs" Shephard established a saloon and "house of ill-repute." While the establishment was more akin to a dugout than a grand house, it nonetheless served as a magnet for lonely men seeking female companionship in the isolated territory. This humble dwelling provided a haven for those traversing the harsh landscape, and its proprietor, Featherlegs, became a memorable character in the local lore.
The moniker "Featherlegs" itself is a colorful detail that speaks to the character’s personality and perhaps a touch of her flamboyant style. The nickname arose from her penchant for wearing lace-trimmed red pantalettes, which, when she rode her horse across the prairie, gave the impression of chicken legs adorned with feathers flapping in the wind. An observer, struck by the sight, humorously remarked that she resembled a "feather-legged chicken," and the name stuck. This image of Featherlegs, galloping across the open plains with her ruffles flowing, contributes to the enduring mystique surrounding her.
Beyond her distinctive attire, Featherlegs was described as a middle-aged, auburn-haired woman who ran her establishment with the help of an outlaw known as "Dangerous Dick Davis." Together, they created a gathering place that became popular among Dangerous Dick’s cohorts. Mother Featherlegs was often entrusted with hiding large sums of money and jewelry for the outlaws, safeguarding their ill-gotten gains until they could safely retrieve them. The monument to a prostitute in Lusk, Wyoming, therefore, represents not only an individual but also a slice of the region’s lawless history.
However, Featherlegs’ prosperity was not destined to last. Tragedy struck in 1879 when Mrs. O.J. Demmon, the wife of a local rancher, discovered Featherlegs’ murdered body near the spring. The gruesome discovery revealed that she had been dead for several days. Moccasin tracks, resembling those worn by Dangerous Dick, were found near the body, immediately casting suspicion upon him. Featherlegs was buried where she died, marking the end of her life and the beginning of a local legend.
In the aftermath of the murder, Dangerous Dick disappeared, taking with him Featherlegs’ cache of money and jewelry. He fled back to the swamps of Louisiana, a familiar refuge for his outlaw activities. However, his past eventually caught up with him. Several years later, he was apprehended and charged with robbery and murder. Before his execution, he confessed to killing Mother Featherlegs, revealing her real name as Charlotte Shephard. The mystery surrounding the monument to a prostitute in Lusk, Wyoming deepens with the uncertainty of Featherlegs’ true identity, as some claim that Charlotte was not her real name. Bob Darrow, the founder of MotherFeatherLegs.com, suggests that the name Charlotte originated from a poem recited at the monument’s dedication by Russell Thorp.
The monument to a prostitute in Lusk, Wyoming is more than just a marker; it’s a 3,500-pound pink granite structure erected in 1964 during a reenactment of the Cheyenne-Deadwood Stage run. The monument to a prostitute in Lusk, Wyoming serves as a reminder of the diverse characters and stories that shaped the American West.
The inscription on the monument reads: "Here lies Mother Featherlegs. So-called, as in her ruffled pantalettes she looked like a feather-legged chicken in a high wind. She was roadhouse ma’am. An outlaw confederate, she was murdered by ‘Dangerous Dick Davis the Terrapin’ in 1879." This concise epitaph encapsulates the essence of her life and the circumstances of her death, solidifying her place in local history. The monument to a prostitute in Lusk, Wyoming, therefore, stands as a testament to a life lived on the fringes of society, yet remembered with a peculiar sense of respect and even affection.
Adding to the legend, Featherlegs’ famous pantalettes were displayed at the monument during the reenactment of the stage run. However, on the very same day, they were stolen, becoming another chapter in the Featherlegs saga. Years later, in 1990, the pantalettes resurfaced in a Deadwood saloon. A determined "posse" of Lusk residents raided the saloon and recovered the stolen artifact. To prevent further theft, the pantalettes are no longer displayed at the monument site. Instead, they are preserved and exhibited at the Stagecoach Museum in Lusk, Wyoming, adding to the museum’s collection of historical artifacts from the region.
The monument to a prostitute in Lusk, Wyoming is located approximately ten miles south of Lusk, along the old Cheyenne trail. Visitors should be aware that the unpaved road leading to the site can often be rough, with muddy ruts. Despite the challenging access, the monument continues to attract visitors curious about the story of Featherlegs and the unique piece of Wyoming history it represents.
In conclusion, the monument to a prostitute in Lusk, Wyoming is a fascinating and somewhat enigmatic landmark. It commemorates a woman who, despite her profession, left an indelible mark on the history of the region. Featherlegs’ story, filled with colorful details and tragic circumstances, continues to intrigue and captivate those who seek to understand the complexities of the American West. The monument stands as a reminder that history is not always about grand figures and heroic deeds, but also about the lives of ordinary people who, in their own way, contributed to the tapestry of the past. The monument to a prostitute in Lusk, Wyoming is a testament to the enduring power of stories and the importance of remembering even those who lived on the fringes of society.