History of the Chicken Ranch

Perhaps the most infamous brothel in the nation was located right here in Texas – just outside of La Grange. Join Nancy McVean as she discusses the history of the Chicken Ranch in its entirety. She will describe the beginning of the ranch and how it evolved into an asset to the community of La Grange who petitioned for its continued existence, as well as its eventual demise. The brothel continues to live on in American culture as the basis for the 1978 Broadway musical (and its 1982 film adaptation) The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas; it also inspired the 1973 ZZ Top song “La Grange.”

Nancy McVean is a Fort Worth native who received her BA in Speech and Theatre from Baylor and an MA in Communications from TCU. She has worked as the Director of Theatre at Weatherford College for over thirty years. In her spare time, she enjoys running, bicycling, and traveling.

Join us for a free program on March 2, 2024, at 10:30am in Palko Hall room 130.