Hamilton's Colorful Years

In the 1890's Hamilton was a roaring frontier town. The town hosted twenty one saloons and a very popular "red light district," otherwise known as the "badlands."

The Sanborne Fire Insurance maps of Hamilton during 1892 and 1893 title numerous female boarding houses on the north side of town. Houses of ill fame were outlawed in Montana in 1895, but apparently it took several more years for the news to reach Hamilton!

In June, 1912, the city council reviewed a petition to rid the city of a particular house on North 3rd Street that was being used for immoral purposes. After a lively discussion a majority of the council indicated that it would take no stand. They felt that if the house were removed the inmates would simply move to another location and it was best to keep the "fleas" in one place.

The Madams of the north end were Mammy Smith, and Kate Mitchell. Regular dancing events were held in the sporting houses. The girls (among them, French Lil, Netty, and Big Lil) put on a lively show and were quite talented singing and playing the piano. It is said that the girls behaved themselves very properly when going to town, and never frequented the many saloons.

There was also a darker side to the "row." Opium dens caused more trouble than the houses of ill repute. both amongst proper Hamilton citizens and the girls themselves. At least one young lady committed suicide, and the headlines of the day reflected a definite sadness through the town over the event.

In 1913 there was an attempt to turn Mammie's house into a chapel. As you can well imagine, Mammie stormed into the Hamilton newspaper office voicing loud objections. Here's her colorful quote: "They are saying I'm rich! Who could get rich in Hamilton? I came here with $6,000 and I only have a little more after all these years. Byt the time the city gets its 'rake off', and I pay the girls' fines and doctor bills! Well, I believe in the Lord - but my rooms into Faith Rooms!"