What a neat piece of history:) We were greeted with a very knowledegable tour guide and given a ride back through time! The building is old and the second you walk through the door it's almost like you stepped into the early 1900's. There was definately a feeling of being watched by a ghost but that made it even more interesting! We will definately be back and look forward to seeing it when all the renovations are complete.
The perceptive visitor may notice that there are 3 bullet holes still visible in the front of the building, apparently from a woman who shot up the building in the late 1970's (thinking her husband's car was spotted at the brothel!). The tour begins with a visit to the gift shop, offering typical keepsakes for visitors. There is an old 1980's Pepsi vending machine offering soda's and bottled water, and ice cream bars for sale as well, which was great as it was nearly 90 degrees outside the day we visited and nothing else around offering such refreshments. The building is quite old, showing many signs of its intended use as a brothel, and the rooms are filled with antique beds, and other brothel related items which the owners have set up throughout the "hotel". We especially enjoyed visiting the "crib" system in the basement where prostitutes plied there trade for nearly a century. This area is especially eery and offers a true vision into the hierarchy that existed here. The only drawback for us was that the halls are narrow throughout the building, and with 8 of us it was difficult for everyone to follow along all at once. The owner did a superlative job telling us the stories and history of the brothel, and the entire "redlight district" that once existed in Butte, Montana. He certainly knows his history! What a hoot!
Was a wonderful visit to an often neglected side of life in a working town. Building built specifically for use as a brothel and the architecture was great. The owners and people who are reconstructing it, are doing an excellent job and I really felt that I was in a brothel for the first time(hey, I am married for over 40 years!) There were 3 floors with over 40 working rooms! A really good experience for a first timer, and even though there are no workers here, I had a better than voyeuristic experience on what it was like. This and the Mai Wah museum gave me a good view of the Uptown area. Butte has real character and is worth a visit for historical significant insight into the last century.
A must see! Was very impressed with the authentic feel of the whole experience. I recommend a must stop to all my friends.
Glad we went. Got tour from mother of current owner. She was fairly knowledgeable but she needs to brush up a bit. Fortunately for us, a server at our hotel used to give tours here and told us great stories re Dumas so we were well versed, etc. Especially loved stories re secret tunnels under Butte. Brothel has 5 doors out of basement leading to tunnels for the rich patrons to enter unnoticed. Also tunnels to Chinatown for opium, etc.Lots of work needed to save place. Fund raising function the day we were there. Hope they succeed.
It is a privilege to have met you, and we love showing the iconic history that the Dumas represents, especially when it is so greatly appreciated! Folks like you are what inspire us to to continue our 'fight' to restore the Dumas! Thank you for your kind thoughts~ Michael
the new owners are passionate about their restoration project and preserving history. fun to see their enthusiasm
Dear Sandy,Thank you for choosing the Dumas for the 2014 Harley Owner's Group (H.O.G) Ride! I must say having 128 Harley Riders tour the Dumas in one day was a learning experience for sure, but a noteworthy event and one we will cherish for many years! We feel blessed to have the Dumas, particularly for sharing it with the public, which is why we are doing all of this incredible restoration work! Thanks again for coming to Montana to see us~we had a blast! Take care...Fondly,Michael
The Red Light district was a going concern in the Mining days of Butte Montana, The Dumas Brothel was ran from 1890 to 1982 making it the longest running house of prostitution in the United States. This is a must see if you come to Butte.
Was attracted by history and reports of ghost sightings, but was ultimately concerned about personal safety once inside. The physical structure should probably be condemned -- OUTRIGHT. I HIGHLY ADVISE all to "wave off" this attraction UNTIL such time as the facility itself is certified and objectively verified to be sound.