In the heart of Central City, Colorado, a team of aspiring archaeologists made a remarkable discovery this week. Using paintbrushes as their tools, they unearthed a 19th-century shoe that may have once belonged to a lady of the night.
Leading the excavation is Jade Luiz, an assistant professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver specializing in the archaeology of 19th-century sex work. Central City, with its rich history of brothels dating back to the late 1800s, serves as the perfect location for Luiz and her team to explore.
The town’s red-light district, perched on a hillside overlooking a bustling casino-filled tourist town, provides a pristine site for their research. Luiz and her crew are uncovering artifacts from the past, untouched by modern construction.
This marks Luiz’s third field semester in Central City, where she trains students in excavation and documentation techniques. The current excavation began in early June, with the team diligently sifting through layers of history.
While prostitution was never legal in Central City, it was a prominent industry that even inspired an annual street festival honoring the city’s most famous madam, Lou Bunch. Lou Bunch Day festivities, including the infamous “Famous Bed Race,” celebrate the town’s colorful past.
Luiz and her students have unearthed a variety of artifacts, including furniture springs, wallpaper, buttons, textiles, chandelier scraps, and even a suspender clip monogrammed with the initials “EBM.” Their next step involves archival research to piece together the stories behind these finds.
Once the excavation is complete, the artifacts will be housed at the university’s downtown Denver campus before potentially being displayed in a museum exhibit in Central City.
Luiz describes her work as delving into the past to reconstruct a fuller picture of bygone eras. Personal items like shoes offer unique insights into the lives of past inhabitants, allowing for a more intimate understanding of history.
For students like Chris Weber, the excavation process is a way to connect with the past and piece together a narrative of those who came before. The thrill of discovering personal items like shoes resonates with the team, fostering a sense of connection to history.
Alonza Saldo, a history enthusiast, describes the excitement of unearthing relics from the past. His passion for history drives his curiosity as he sifts through the remnants of Central City’s brothels.
Nate Benson, a former Army veteran seeking a career change, finds solace in the outdoors and a newfound passion for archaeology. His journey into the field of ethnobotany reflects a desire to explore the relationship between humans and nature.
As Benson shares his discoveries on social media, he inspires others to pursue their dreams and embrace new opportunities. The thrill of uncovering treasures in the dirt serves as a reminder to seize every opportunity for growth and exploration.
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