Augusta Tabor: Her Side of the Scandal

The biography begins with Augusta’s early life in Vermont, detailing her marriage to Horace Tabor and their rise to wealth and prominence in the booming mining industry of Leadville, Colorado. Bancroft paints a vivid picture of Augusta’s character, highlighting her intelligence, resilience, and strong sense of identity. The narrative explores her contributions to the community, including her involvement in various social causes and her influence as a businesswoman in a male-dominated society.A significant portion of the book addresses the scandal that erupted when Horace Tabor left Augusta for a younger woman, Elizabeth McCourt, who later became known as “Baby Doe.” Bancroft provides Augusta's perspective on the betrayal and the public scrutiny she faced during this tumultuous time. Through letters, personal accounts, and historical context, the author reveals Augusta's struggles and triumphs, portraying her not just as a victim of circumstance but as a strong and resourceful woman who maintained her dignity in the face of adversity.