What is Prostitutes Butte?
Prostitutes Butte is a distinctive sandstone formation in Arizona’s high desert near Prescott, known for its steep cliffs and flat summit. This geological landmark earned its provocative name from its proximity to a historic red-light district during the 19th-century mining boom, serving as a visual reference point for miners seeking entertainment.
The butte stands approximately 300 feet tall, composed of erosion-resistant Schnebly Hill Formation sandstone. Unlike surrounding mesas, its isolated structure creates a prominent silhouette visible from Prescott’s historic Whiskey Row. Geologically, it represents millions of years of sediment deposition and erosional processes common to Arizona’s Mogollon Rim country. Today, it attracts history enthusiasts and hikers drawn to both its physical presence and controversial backstory.
Where is Prostitutes Butte located?
Prostitutes Butte rises in central Yavapai County, Arizona, approximately 2 miles southeast of downtown Prescott. Its coordinates are 34°31’23″N 112°26’06″W, accessible via the Senator Highway (County Road 72) near the Granite Dells area.
Surrounding landmarks include:
- Granite Creek: Flows west of the butte, historically used for mining operations
- Peavine Trail: Popular hiking/biking route passing near the base
- Whiskey Row: Historic Prescott saloon district 3 miles northwest
- Point of Rocks: Neighboring granite outcrop with pioneer inscriptions
The butte sits on a mix of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and private lands, requiring careful navigation by visitors to respect property boundaries.
How do you access Prostitutes Butte?
Primary access is via the Granite Dells Recreation Area trail system. From Prescott, take Highway 89A to the Peavine Trailhead, then follow these routes:
- Historical Approach: 1.5-mile hike along Granite Creek (moderate difficulty)
- Ridge Route: Steeper 0.8-mile scramble from Senator Highway
- Guided Tours: Sharlot Hall Museum offers seasonal history hikes
No formal parking exists at the butte itself. Hikers should park at designated lots along Highway 89A and carry adequate water – desert conditions create extreme dehydration risks. The area has no restrooms or facilities.
Why is it called Prostitutes Butte?
The name originated circa 1864 when Prescott served as Arizona Territory’s capital. Miners referred to the formation as “Prostitutes Butte” because it overlooked “Hussler’s Row” – a cluster of brothels in Granite Creek’s floodplain where sex workers operated during Prescott’s silver rush.
Three historical factors cemented the name:
- Navigation: The butte served as a directional marker for miners seeking the red-light district
- Visibility: Brothel workers used signal fires atop the butte to indicate “business hours”
- Social Stigma: Victorian-era citizens placed “immoral” activities geographically apart from town
Newspaper archives from the 1880s Arizona Miner confirm locals used the name colloquially, though modern maps often label it simply as “The Butte” due to sensitivity concerns.
Is the name historically accurate?
Yes, based on territorial records and oral histories. Census data shows 23 women listed as “occupation: courtesan” near Granite Creek between 1870-1890. Notable madams like “French Joe” operated establishments visible from the butte’s summit. The name reflects actual social geography rather than sensationalism.
What happened at Prostitutes Butte historically?
The butte witnessed three key historical phases:
- Mining Era (1863-1900): Site of claim-staking disputes and brothel operations
- Prohibition (1920s): Hideout for bootleggers running moonshine to Prescott
- Great Depression: Squatter camps for unemployed miners at its base
Specific documented events include:
- An 1884 shootout between lawmen and brothel owner “Diamond Annie”
- 1910 entrapment of “Suicide Squad” outlaw gang in its crevices
- 1934 WPA archaeological survey documenting Yavapai tribal artifacts
The butte never hosted permanent structures, but archaeological evidence confirms temporary shelters, mining claim markers, and hearth sites around its perimeter.
What legends surround Prostitutes Butte?
Two persistent legends dominate local folklore:
- The White Mistress: Apparition of a woman in white said to push trespassers off cliffs
- Lost Lode: Rumors of a silver vein discovered by a prostitute, later hidden
These tales stem from actual tragedies. In 1887, sex worker Elena Rodriguez plunged to her death during a flash flood. The “lost lode” myth connects to documented claims by Mary “Silver Mary” O’Rourke, whose mining certificate was revoked because women couldn’t hold claims. Paranormal groups report frequent EMF spikes and voice phenomena during night visits, though scientists attribute this to piezoelectric effects in quartz-rich sandstone.
Are there documented ghost sightings?
Prescott’s Sharlot Hall Museum archives contain 14 first-hand accounts of paranormal encounters from 1930-2020. Common reports include disembodied laughter, phantom perfume smells (notably lavender and rosewater), and cold spots near the eastern cliffs. Modern sightings peak during September, coinciding with historical flash flood events.
Can you hike Prostitutes Butte?
Yes, but access requires careful planning. The BLM-managed eastern slopes allow hiking year-round, while western approaches cross private property. Key considerations:
- Best Season: October-April (avoid summer heat exceeding 100°F)
- Route Difficulty: Class 3 scramble requiring handholds near summit
- Permits: None required for day use; group sizes limited to 10
- Hazards: Loose sandstone, rattlesnakes, abandoned mine shafts
Summit views encompass Prescott Valley, Thumb Butte, and the Bradshaw Mountains. Photography is best at dawn when slanting light highlights sedimentary layers.
What should hikers know before visiting?
Essential preparations include:
- Carry 3+ liters of water per person
- Wear ankle-supporting boots for unstable terrain
- Download offline maps – cell service vanishes near the butte
- Check Prescott National Forest fire restrictions
- Respect archaeological sites – removing artifacts carries $10,000 fines
Guided hikes through the Prescott Outdoors program provide historical context while ensuring safety.
How does Prostitutes Butte compare to other Arizona buttes?
Unlike Monument Valley’s iconic formations or Superstition Mountains’ volcanic peaks, Prostitutes Butte offers unique characteristics:
| Feature | Prostitutes Butte | Thumb Butte | Camelback Mountain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 300 ft | 1,200 ft | 2,700 ft |
| Geology | Sandstone | Granite | Conglomerate |
| Access Difficulty | Moderate | Easy | Difficult |
| Historical Significance | Mining/Red-light | Fire Lookout | Hohokam Sites |
Its combination of Wild West history and moderate accessibility makes it distinctive among Arizona landmarks.
What is the cultural significance today?
Modern perspectives reveal shifting attitudes:
- Preservation Debates: Ongoing conflict between development and historical designation
- Feminist Reinterpretation: Recognition of sex workers’ role in frontier economies
- Artistic Inspiration: Featured in Georgia O’Keeffe’s 1942 sketchbook and local murals
Controversy persists regarding the name. While historical societies advocate for retaining original nomenclature, some community groups propose alternatives like “Pioneer Butte.” Annual “Stories in Stone” events feature historians discussing the butte’s complex legacy, emphasizing how marginalized women shaped Arizona’s development against extreme adversity.