Central City in Gilpin County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

The Rose Haydee Building

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 1, 2009

1. The Rose Haydee Building Marker

Inscription. The first lady of the early Colorado state was Rose (Brown) Wakely, better known by her stage name, Rose “Haydee”. The dark-eyed beauty came to Colorado in September, 1859 – and the miners fell in love with her at once. She became the most popular entertainer in Central City. Then, suddenly, she disappeared.

Now among her many admirers was Thomas Evans, a gambling man of rather “satanic good looks.” And it was suspicioned no coincidence that, on Tuesday, November 13, 1860 – just prior to a performance starring her, Rose and the gambling man were gone!

Following the town’s suspicions, Justice Downing issued a warrant “for the arrest of an individual who has abducted a young girl...for the basest of all imaginable purposes.”

The fugitive Evans was overtaken “on the road to the States” and, with his sweet young charge, hauled back to Central City. He was brought to trial for the abduction under a handy and sturdy tree to facilitate hanging. But Rose saved this gambling man by saying that they had been married!

The next day, November 24, 1860, Rose Haydee became, through marriage in earnest, Mrs. Thomas Evans ... they of Central City, Colorado

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Women. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1859.

Location. 39° 48.005′ N, 105° 30.766′ W. Marker is in Central City, Colorado, in Gilpin County. It is on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 131 Main Street, Central City CO 80427, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Colorado High Rockies. It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Ignatz Meyer Building (a few steps from this marker); The AOUW Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Central City Opera (within shouting distance of this marker); Central City (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Hall (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Black Hawk History - Gold & Silver (approx. 0.7 miles away); Gregory Diggings (approx. 0.7 miles away); Welcome to Black Hawk (West side)

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 1, 2009

2. The Rose Haydee Building Marker

The marker is to the left of the entrance.

(approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Central City.

Regarding The Rose Haydee Building. The AOUW Building (left), the Ignatz Meyer Building (center) and the Rose Haydee Building (right), a modern construction, have been ‘renovated’ and combined into the Doc Holliday Casino.

The Doc Holliday Casino image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 1, 2009

3. The Doc Holliday Casino

The Rose Haydee Building is on the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2018. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,303 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 21, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.