helenahistory.org

ANmEg TIL in 1880s Helena, Montana, prostitution was the largest employer of women. By 1886, 52 women worked in the trade. Wealthy madams, like Josephine “Chicago Joe” Hensley, owned downtown property, a saloon, a theater, and even started a mortgage company.
x6KGk TIL in the 1870s and 1880s, prostitution was the primary job for women in Helena, Montana. In 1886, the city had 52 prostitutes employed. The madams gained immense wealth and purchased multiple city blocks and even established their mortgage company.
J1an8 TIL Prostitution was the biggest source of employment for women in Helena, Montana in the 1870’s and 80’s. In 1886 there were 52 prostitutes working the city. The madams became so wealthy they bought up blocks of downtown property and even started their own mortgage company.