Creating sin creates influence. At least, it did back in the days of the Wild West. While legendary figures like Doc Holiday and Billy the Kid reigned the American Frontier, there were influences that aren’t typically spoken about in polite company, or even in history books. There was a whole lot more to the Wild West than Cowboys and Saloons! Heck–there’s even more to the saloons themselves.
In this edition of Lust & Lore, we only begin to discover the world Madams of the Wild West navigated. and how their business acumen gained them power, wealth, and influence in their communities.
What did Madams in the Wild West Do?
Madams were the managers and operators of brothels, overseeing the day-to-day business, managing workers, maintaining property, and handling financial transactions. As one can imagine, women did not have many paths to solo success these days, nor were they able to acquire as much as men, on their own. These pioneering women found themselves navigating a world that was certainly not made for them, creating empires by running brothels.
They sat in the seat of sin, of the Wild West, sometimes offering gambling and drinking alongside their fine establishments. However, they made it work, in spite of the many contradictions. Powerful, yet vulnerable, Madams were the ones who found opportunity, without even considering the gold rush. They created their own value as businesswomen, proving themselves to be soft, yet never to be messed with.
Many were former sex workers themselves, gleaning knowledge from their experience, to create profitable and well-run establishments. They were responsible for setting the rules, ensuring security. They had to offer a welcoming environment, to attract clientele. This sometimes transforming their brothels into elite salons–or, saloons–where men could indulge not only in pleasure, but also gambling, drinking, and with inviting musical entertainment.
Soiled Doves or Boss B*tches?
Have you ever heard the term “Soiled Dove”? Don’t ring the alarms yet! It’s an obsolete expression meant to denigrate prostitutes in the 19th century.
The phrase means that, these were women who had a “fallen” reputation. Some were viewed with contempt, while others gained a degree of respect. In those cases, these were Madams who had sterling reputations. Particularly if they contributed to their communities through philanthropy.
Many local businesses thrived due to the commerce brought in by brothels, along with their direct contributions, making madams an important part of the local economy.
Power and Wealth
Madams wielded considerable power, controlling not just their businesses but often exerting influence over local law enforcement, community planning, and politics. There were always threats of legal crackdowns looming over their businesses. Using their charming wiles (or bribes) they became shrewd business women, ensuring their establishments could thrive, in spite of fluctuating legal restrictions.
Many amassed great wealth, dressing in the finest clothes and adorning themselves with decadent jewelry. They often loved embodying the image of luxury and success. Even so, many were not nearly as financially solvent, and left little to their memories.
Notable Madams of the Wild West
Mattie Silks – 1846-1929
Mattie Silks
A business-savvy madam, Mattie Silks began her career at the age of 19. Notably, she was not previously a sex worker, but was known for running one of the most luxurious brothels in Denver. Mattie was fierce and fearless, earning a reputation as a true business woman in spite of her youth.
There were many stories about Mattie, who was not one to be messed with. Mattie was said to have had a duel with a rival madam, over business and affections of her lover, Cort Thompson. The truth of the matter was far less interesting than what the chatter around her legacy tells us.
While the tall tales tell us of a duel–a topless duel, at that–it really was no more than a bar fight. The intents were the same, as she was fighting in defense of her lover. However, Cort was said to have stood by her side, supporting her. What a man!
Not only are we still talking about her fist fight over 100 years later, but she proved herself to be a success. Mattie ran her business affairs successfully enough, to where she was able to retire comfortably; a rarity for women in her profession.
Pearl DeVere
Pearl DeVere
The glamorous and mysterious madam of Cripple Creek, Colorado. Pearl was the owner of the opulent Old Homestead brothel. Glamorous as she was, she was also known to have the most beautiful ladies of any parlor. As a madam, she ensured that they all wore fine clothes, and were taken care of medically and financially.
Pearl catered to an elite clientele, and she had to ensure her environment suited them justly. The Old Homestead was what one might consider “opulent.” It was filled with fine furniture, extravagant decor. They had TWO bathrooms, which was completely unheard of at the time. Not to mention, she hosted plenty of gaming tables for the gentlemen to complete the full trifecta of sin, as they drank merrily.
Pearl drew clientele all the way from Denver, to devour her wares of lovely, and truly cared for women. Ensuring that extra mile of care for her employees, guests were required to submit references.
Pearl died a somewhat dramatic and poetic death, being found still draped in her $800 shell pink chiffon gown, which was imported from Paris. She was using morphine to help herself fall to sleep, which was common practice at the time, and succumbed to an accidental overdose.
Dora DuFran
Dora DuFran
As one of the most successful and famous madams of the Wild West, Dora was a success through and through. She expanded her operations, opening brothels in Deadwood and other frontier towns. Dora entered the sex industry as a teen, and moved her operations to Deadwood when the Gold Rush hit. As soon as she arrived in town, she boldly declared herself a madam and worked her way to becoming one of the most successful madams of all time. She started small, but quickly built a healthy empire.
Dora was a successful madam until she died in 1934, and is buried in Deadwood Cemetery with her pet parrot. Married and in-love, this true boss bitch also made sure she provided her love and adoration to cats. She was said to have cared for them in the brothels she kept. Her influence was said to be the main reason why some brothels became known as “cat houses”
Known for her humor and business acumen, she had a reputation that often had her come across legendary figures of the time. For instance, she was a close associate of the unconventional sharpshooter– and sometimes prostitute! –Calamity Jane. The pair was said to be so close, Dora was able to write a pamphlet about the life of Calamity Jane, jam packed with stories directly from her mouth.
The Legacy of the Wild West Madams
Madams were kind of the original “boss bitches” of the frontier, turning their knowledge of their trade into lucrative empires. Or at least, I like to think of it that way.
They acquired influence, wealth, and dressed to the nines to ensure they maintained a particular image. Building empires was always possible, and just looks a little different in the modern era of adult content creators! 😉
While their profession was controversial, their ability to succeed in a male-dominated world remains an enduring testament to their resilience in a world not built for them. These women were pioneers, in a way. They were strong and wise, ruthless and compassionate. Their self-made successes drawn from sex work illustrate the intricate social dynamics of the American frontier, proving society may have been more complex than we realize.
Resources –
https://www.notesfromthefrontier.com/post/soiled-doves
https://www.legendsofamerica.com/co-pearldevere/
https://recollections.biz/blog/5-madams-of-the-wild-west-and-what-made-them-famous/
