Ubiquitous violence, firearms and ... a lush erotic life that is rarely mentioned by historians. What was sex like in the Wild West?
We associate the Wild West with freedom, homelessness and life on the edge. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that his story still raises a lot of controversy. In addition to the ubiquitous violence, firearms and brawls, an erotic life flourished there, which is very rarely mentioned in any sources. What was sex like in the Wild West? How did brothels work and which contraceptive methods were considered the best?
Homosexuality and exoticism
Homosexuality in the Wild West was not really considered a taboo. In fact, same-sex relationships among men were quite normal. Given the lack of women, men were thought to engage in sexual activity with each other naturally . Cowboys and miners often concluded the so-called "Bachelors marriages".
For every 100 women in the Wild West, there were about 120 men. This situation had two consequences. First, the rise in homosexuality among gentlemen. Second, the creation of brothels to meet the needs of the cowboys.
Cowboys and miners often concluded the so-called "Bachelors marriages".
Interestingly, while in many ways the Wild West was extremely liberal, was one thing that was considered a bit too exotic:oral sex . Perhaps the very word fellatio made the activity too intimidating. Even among prostitutes there was a thesis that oral sex was not "male" enough. For this reason, it has been grown extremely rarely.
Contraception and abortion
Pregnancy and childbirth were dangerous things in the Wild West. It is therefore not surprising that many women, wishing to avoid the "blessed state", resorted to ingesting poisonous abortion drugs that put a heavy burden on the body. Condoms were very expensive and, until the second half of the 19th century, simply not available. The contraceptive pill was not invented until the 1950s.
However, although religious, medical and political organizations threatened the moral and physical dangers of contraception and abortion, nineteenth-century public opinion stubbornly insisted on implementing family planning methods. Quite effectively.
photo:San Francisco History Center, SF Public Library / public domain Prostitutes were a permanent feature of western towns.
In 1800, the birth rate in the United States was the highest in the world, and the average mother had eight children. At the end of the 19th century, women on average gave birth to only three children. Interestingly, this decline came after state legislatures banned the sale and use of contraceptives in the 1940s. In 1873, the Comstock Act was even passed, which federally banned the use of contraception and also criminalized abortion at every stage.
Banned Ads
Americans in the Wild West used centuries-old methods of avoiding "mishaps". The mere penalization of contraception did not help much either. Pregnancy prevention measures included vaginal suppositories, pessaries (which physically blocked the cervix), syringes sold with acidic irrigation solutions, and antiseptic spermicides. Condoms have become relatively popular over time. Especially in the middle of the century, when new techniques made rubber easier and the price of condoms dropped significantly.
The contraceptive market advertised its products openly, breaking the law, or more subtly, for example, encouraging the purchase of "feminine hygiene", "disinfectant" or "tonics" products.
Maps and demographics of the time showed that in many peripheral areas of the Wild West where brothels flourished, there were up to 20 percent more men than women.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, before the Comstock Act was introduced, abortion was legal. It could be done until the fetal movements were felt. Although accurate data are difficult to calculate, we know that the rate of termination of pregnancy continued to increase between 1830 and 1860. It is estimated that up to one in five pregnancies ended in abortions.
To get rid of the "trouble", the women took a series of miscarriages or went to someone with surgical instruments (not necessarily a doctor) who physically terminated the pregnancy. One of the most famous of these "angel producers" was Madame Restell, who had been doing successful businesses in New York, Boston and Philadelphia for over three decades. However, a change in law in 1873 effectively limited this type of treatment throughout the United States. Thus, Madame Restell's business significantly limited the field of activity.
Houses of Sinful Pleasure
Life in the Wild West was hard. Young men massively migrated to new territories in search of work, gold and money. Due to the fact that their numbers far exceeded the number of ladies, brothels sprang up like mushrooms after rain. Prostitutes were a permanent fixture in western towns. Maps and demographics of the time showed that in many peripheral areas of the Wild West where brothels flourished, there were up to 20 percent more men than women.
Ladies who decided to live in the Wild West often became prostitutes.
Ladies who decided to live in the Wild West often became prostitutes . Interestingly, in some places the brothels were the most magnificent and elegant places in town . Their owners had a real influence on shaping the local society. The prices for sexual services ranged from 25 cents to $ 1.
Prostitution greatly contributed to the improvement of the economy of cities. Owning a brothel was associated with obtaining a relevant business license and paying taxes and fines that fueled the boom. As the industry developed, the number of women who treated prostitution as a business increased.
Profitable sexbusiness
It should be noted, however, that the work itself was extremely dangerous. Many prostitutes suffered and died from venereal diseases . Some of them, however, have achieved spectacular success, gaining wealth, fame and respect in local communities. One of the most famous brothels in the Wild West - Mattie Silks of Denver, Colorado - started her first business when she was just 19 years old. She managed to earn $ 38,000 (equivalent to today's $ 1 million) in just three months!
At the luxurious "Fannie Porter" brothel in San Antonio, Texas, Butch Cassidy and his gang used the services of local prostitutes on a regular basis.
Brothels were also a place where dangerous people and… members of the local elite met. At the luxurious "Fannie Porter" brothel in San Antonio, Texas, Butch Cassidy and his gang used the services of local prostitutes on a regular basis.
Venereal diseases, problems with contraception, legal obstacles and local thugs effectively hampered the running of brothels . Many women in prostitution have paid the highest price for it. Few have become respected citizens and persons who are completely financially independent. As you can see, the sex world in the Wild West was not only intriguing but also dangerous.