Did She or Didn’t She?

Did She or Didn’t She?

The people who knew her, and the historians who love her, consider Madam Dora DuFran one of the most lucrative businesswomen in South Dakota. Her legendary brothels in Deadwood, Belle Fourche and Rapid City made the lady famous. But was the enigmatic madam really the...
What’s in a Name?

What’s in a Name?

Canyon Diablo proved to be a formidable barrier to travelers along the 35th Parallel in northern Arizona. In 1881 the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad was building a bridge over the steep abyss. The “end of track” town that was established on the east side of...
The Wife of Wyatt Earp’s Sworn Enemy

The Wife of Wyatt Earp’s Sworn Enemy

“I have been nearly driven to distraction!” So said Victoria Zaff Behan, with the culprit being her well-known husband, John Harris Behan. This was in 1875 when, after six years of a more-than-rocky marriage, the lady decided to call it quits. Victoria had already...
Soiled Doves

Soiled Doves

Bring up the intriguing subject of prostitution history in the American West, and you are sure to liven up a conversation. The thought of someone paying for sex diverts from societal and cultural ideals about how and when sex should be employed. It also brings forth a...