The Restoration of Rose Williams Brothel
In the late 19th century, Rose Williams, of the Rose Williams Brothel, became the proprietress of a house of ill repute near Meeteetse, Wyoming. Her establishment, opened in 1890. It quickly garnered a reputation, attracting a diverse clientele that included local dignitaries and the infamous outlaw, Butch Cassidy.
Then, as times changed, the brothels of the American West faded from the cultural landscape. More than a century later, the legacy of Rose Williams’ establishment is experiencing a unique revival. Craftsmen have reconstructed the building, and it now serves as a historical exhibit in Cody, Wyoming.
This reconstruction of the Rose Williams Brothel is the latest historical structure to grace Old Trail Town. The building, originally located in Meeteetse, was carefully taken apart and reassembled, with efforts made to restore its historical authenticity.
Visitors to Old Trail Town can easily locate this once-notorious brothel. The red lights at the end of the boardwalk signal where it can be found.
Dubbed the original remote occupation
Dubbed the original remote occupation. The brothel’s main chamber served multiple purposes, including a kitchen and a bar, reflecting Williams’ dedication to her patrons’ comfort.
Previously, the Rose Williams Brothel originally stood in Arland, a short distance from Meeteetse. The restoration process spanned three years. With the interior now resembling its historical state, sans the presence of its former employees.
Sylvia Huber, the office and collection manager at Old Trail Town, shared insights into the meticulous research that informed the restoration. The goal was to recreate the roadhouse as it would have been during Williams’ time, complete with a bar and provisions for dining.
Positioned along the freight route of Meeteetse Creek, the brothel was conveniently located for travelers and workers on the railroad stretching from Denver to Billings. According to Huber, the establishment provided essential services for its era, despite not being a luxury venue.
Records confirm Butch Cassidy’s visits to the Rose Williams Brothel. A humorous anecdote highlights his culinary preferences, particularly his dislike for rabbit stew. Leading him to procure alternative meat for the establishment.
Rose Williams Brothel and Cassidy’s connection
Cassidy’s connection to Old Trail Town extends to several structures, including the Hole in the Wall Cabin and the Rivers Saloon. While there’s no definitive evidence of his full patronage of the brothel, the historical records suggest a plausible association.
The brothel’s architecture features a brick chimney, meticulously restored to its original form. The bedroom’s antique wood-fired stove and the authentic Western artifacts that furnish the rooms add to the historical ambiance.
Indeed, a notable highlight is the well-preserved rope bed in Williams’ bedroom, exemplifying the craftsmanship of the period.
“The crib,” a small room where business took place, stands out as the most intriguing aspect of the Rose Williams Brothel. Huber explains the hierarchy of the Old West’s prostitution scene, with cribs representing the most basic level of service.
Whereas, to maintain historical accuracy, they placed a leather rainslicker beneath the mattress to protect the bedding from the dirt of patrons’ boots. They also made modern adjustments for accessibility, which resulted in a crib space larger than the original.
Huber expresses a desire to find a hip bath to complete the furnishings of the crib, hoping that a generous visitor might donate this missing piece to Old Trail Town’s collection.
