Boulder City Historic District in Clark County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

“Rag Town Goddess”

by Sandra Messina, Artist

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 29, 2013

1. “Rag Town Goddess” Marker

Inscription. Those that came to Boulder City to work on the dam lived in harsh conditions. The oppressive heat of the summers and the unbearable cold of the winters took its toll on many. Even the most mundane chores were difficult in this inhospitable environment. Because Boulder City was not yet born as a town, there was no housing. Workers and their families lived in tents – an area later referred to as “Rag Town”.

In her handmade dress and her inexpensive flats, hair clinging to her forehead, this early pioneer hangs a man’s undershirt. The wistful resignation on her face reflects her lot in life. However, the strength of her character is also reflected, as she perseveres under such adverse conditions. Not only is she a shining example of the resiliency of the human spirit, she truly is a Rag Town Goddess.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Women.

Location. 35° 58.559′ N, 114° 50.366′ W. Marker is in Boulder City, Nevada, in Clark County. It is in the Boulder City Historic District. It is on Nevada Highway near Birch Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 604 Nevada Highway, Boulder City NV 89005, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Mojave Desert

and in Greater Las Vegas.

It is also in the American Southwest

and in the Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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markers are within walking distance of this marker: Frank T. Crowe (within shouting distance of this marker); Hoover Dam Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Alabam (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); “Hitchin’ a Ride” (approx. 0.2 miles away); Puddler's Break (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Boulder Dam Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hoover Dam Turbine Runner (approx. 0.3 miles away); Boulder City, Nevada (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boulder City.

“Rag Town Goddess” and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 29, 2013

2. “Rag Town Goddess” and Marker

“Rag Town Goddess” image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 29, 2013

3. “Rag Town Goddess”

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,595 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 4, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.