Laura Bell McDaniel | |
|---|---|
 A Cripple Creek brothel. The photograph may include Laura Bell McDaniel. From Pikes Peak Library District collection | |
| Born | Laura Bell Horton November 27, 1861 nr. Buffalo Lick, Missouri, US |
| Died | January 1918 (aged 56) |
| Resting place | Fairview Cemetery, Colorado Springs 38°50′29.21″N 104°52′19.16″W / 38.8414472°N 104.8719889°W |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Courtesan of Colorado City Queen of the Colorado City Tenderloin |
| Occupation | Brothel madam |
| Years active | 1884–1918 |
| Spouse(s) | 1. Samuel Dale (c. 1880 – 1884) 2. John Thomas "Tom" McDaniel (1887–1893) 3. Herbert N. Berg (1911–1916) |
| Children | Eva Pearl Dale (born 1884) |
| Parent(s) | James and Anna Horton |
Laura Bell McDaniel (November 27, 1861 – January 1918) was an American madam and brothel owner in Colorado City, now called Old Colorado City, and Cripple Creek during the late 19th century and early 20th century. She was also known the "Courtesan of Colorado City" and "Queen of the Colorado City Tenderloin".[1] She had entered the profession after being left with an infant daughter. McDaniel maintained a close relationship with her mother and family over her career and she sent her daughter to boarding school. Her clients were among the wealthy citizens of the Colorado Springs area and she was said to have the "most spectacular [house] in town", managed by a number of servants. Although she was encouraged to leave town by citizens and law enforcement, she continued to operate her business until her death.
- ^ MacKell, Jan (2004). Brothels, Bordellos & Bad Girls: Prostitution in Colorado 1860-1930. University of New Mexico Press. pp. 129–127, 132–134, 239–243. ISBN 978-0826333438.