Augusta Tabor facts for kids
Augusta Pierce Tabor (born March 29, 1833 – died January 30, 1895) was a very important woman in early Colorado history. She was married to a successful miner and businessman named Horace Tabor. Augusta was the first white woman to live in the Idaho Springs mining camp. Later, she became known as a kind person who helped many charities in Denver. In 1991, she was honored by being added to the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame because of her great work in helping others.
Augusta's Early Life
Augusta Pierce was born in Augusta, Maine, on March 29, 1833. Her father, William B. Pierce, owned a quarry, which is a place where stone is dug out of the ground. He also worked as a contractor, building things. Augusta was one of ten children in her family. She was the third of seven girls. When she was a child, Augusta often had poor health. Even so, she was known for being determined and charming. She grew up in a wealthy family and believed strongly in women's rights. She was also a cousin of Franklin Pierce, who later became the President of the United States.
Life in Colorado
Augusta and Horace Tabor first lived in a mining camp called Idaho Springs. Later, they moved to Leadville. In Leadville, the Tabors opened a store. Augusta also earned money by washing clothes for others and renting rooms in her home to boarders.
Horace Tabor spent many years looking for gold in the mountains of Colorado. In 1878, after 20 years of searching, he finally found a large amount of silver! This discovery made him very rich, earning about US$10,000 every day.
After Horace became wealthy, he was elected lieutenant governor in 1878. The Tabors then built a huge mansion in Denver. This beautiful house had 20 rooms and cost $40,000 to build.
Augusta continued to manage the mansion as a boarding house, sometimes having up to 14 people staying there. She was very active in her community. She gave money to many civic projects and charities. Augusta also hosted events to raise money for good causes. She was especially involved with a group called the Pioneer Ladies Aid Society, which helped women in need.
Augusta in Stories
Augusta Tabor is an important character in an opera called The Ballad of Baby Doe. An opera is a play where the words are sung instead of spoken. This opera was created by Douglas Moore and John Latouche. The role of Augusta was first played by Martha Lipton in 1956. Another famous singer who played Augusta was Frances Bible. She even recorded the role in 1961.
