During our country’s Western expansion, towns grew when migrating pioneers clustered to build communities. Some towns evolved along migration wagon trails and fledgling railroad routes. Others were boom towns, which developed near mineral strikes and resulting mining activity. Boom town populations grew at an alarming rate, far exceeding available resources. When all attractions were used up, an exodus would occur as the boom town became a ghost town.
The effect of boom and bust economy on women of the west has always been far-reaching. History buffs recognize the hardships endured by women who pulled up roots, left loved ones behind, and moved out West with their families in search of dreams and independence. Wagon trails were strewn with broken dreams and hearts, discarded belongings, and death. After treacherous journeys across the Great Plains, pioneers too often found the farm land too barren and mineral strikes played out. Old challenges were replaced by more difficult new obstacles, requiring strength and fortitude.
In 1893, the country experienced a large-scale recession. When the government passed the Sherman Mining Act into law, gold was chosen as the standard to back up national currency rather than silver. The effect on Colorado and Western mining regions was devastating. Unemployed miners roamed the streets of cities such as Denver. Women’s clubs rallied to provide housing and resources for the homeless, which included deserted and widowed women, and children.
Adversity can be a catalyst for positive results. That year, Colorado passed woman’s suffrage into law, as the second state behind Wyoming to do so. The rally cry was that “things can’t get much worse – let the women vote!” As you read about the Molly Brown story in the current issue of Women Out West, keep in mind that her independent activism and generosity were influenced by the challenging years she lived in the mining community of Leadville. Although later years were filled with wealth and luxury, she remembered the tough years in Leadville with her young family as her happiest.
Joyce Lohse, 4/15/09
www.lohseworks.com
Photo: South Park City – an authentic reconstructed ghost town – in Fairplay, Colorado.
Joyce Lohse speaks about blogging for Women Out West Magazine
recorded by Deborah Kunzie
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