This article was originally published on Constative.com
For most of us, the luxuries of contemporary life have become so ingrained that picturing existence without them feels nearly impossible. Imagine the challenge they’d face if they were thrust into the rugged era of the Wild West, where outlaws were a constant threat, and horse-drawn carts were the primary mode of transportation. The late 1800s and early 1900s offered a strikingly distinct yet undeniably captivating way of life. Exploring the untamed frontier of the Wild West uncovers a trove of astonishing facts, illuminating a bygone era that might just leave you spellbound.
The Many Nicknames For Women Who Worked in Saloons
It’s truly astonishing how the Wild West was a land of many names, especially when it came to the women who worked in the saloons. These daring souls, who mingled closely with men in exchange for a living, seemed to carry a different moniker depending on where you were and who you asked.
In California, they were known as “ladies of the line” or “sporting women,” while in Kansas, terms like “daughters of sin” and “doves of the roost” prevailed. Cowboys, on the other hand, often referred to them as “soiled doves.” The list goes on with colorful epithets like “fallen angels,” “scarlet ladies,” “frail sisters,” and “painted cats,” just scratching the surface of the intriguing array of names they were called.