During the Pikes Peak Gold Rush in Colorado, mining camps quickly grew into vibrant towns. Over time, these towns left behind traces of their history, from old buildings to everyday objects that offer a window into the past.
One of the most fascinating remnants of that time can still be found in Central City, where the old red light district gives us a unique perspective on life during the gold rush.
The Forgotten Red Light District of Central City
Nestled just below the Coeur d’Alene gold mine in Central City, there is a quiet hillside covered with aspen trees. If you look closely, you might spot the remnants of what was once a lively part of the town.
This area, once home to five houses, was Central City’s red light district, where residents went to unwind after long days of hard work in the mines.
Jade Luiz, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Metro State University of Denver, explains that these houses were brothels.
While prostitution was never legal in Colorado, the community largely tolerated the presence of these brothels. Over the years, they became a familiar part of Central City’s culture.
Uncovering Everyday Life Through Archaeology
Since 2023, Luiz and her team of student archaeologists have been digging at the site every summer. But they’re not after glamorous artifacts.
Instead, they’re searching for everyday items that tell the true story of life in the red light district. Things like old bones from meals, pieces of fabric, corsets, and, interestingly, a lot of shoes.
Luiz believes that these everyday objects are more telling than flashy relics. “This tells us most about everyday life and how people are engaging with the landscape up here, interacting with each other, interacting with the town,” she says.
The team’s work, combined with old newspaper articles, is helping to paint a picture of life in the district. It offers insights into the lives of saloon girls, their customers, and even the neighbors who lived around them.
Discovering the Past Through Old Finds
Some of the things Luiz and her team have found offer surprising glimpses into the lives of these individuals. For instance, they’ve found evidence of people buying medicines from local pharmacies and supporting local businesses.
These discoveries show that, despite the unconventional nature of the red light district, its residents were still part of the broader town community.
Although the project may seem a bit cheeky, Luiz emphasizes its importance in understanding Colorado’s shared history. Central City has embraced this part of its past, acknowledging the presence of the red light district without hiding it.
“This community doesn’t hide the fact that there was this industry here for so long,” Luiz explains. “And that makes this location so unique.”
Continuing the Excavation
As long as the property owners and the state allow it, Luiz and her team plan to continue digging at the site. They’re particularly excited about the possibility of exploring an old privy, which they believe could reveal even more valuable historical artifacts.
While it may sound like an odd focus, these types of discoveries could offer key insights into daily life during a fascinating period in Colorado’s history.
By continuing to unearth items from the past, the team is helping to preserve a chapter of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Their work not only brings history to life but also honors the people who lived in Central City during the gold rush.
Central City’s red light district offers a rare opportunity to explore a part of Colorado’s past that is often overlooked. The everyday objects found by archaeologists tell the story of the people who lived there, their interactions with the town, and the broader culture of the time.
With continued excavation, this site will provide even more valuable insights into the lives of those who helped shape Central City during the gold rush