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    Recommended Reviews - Independence Square

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    2 months ago

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    Chicken Ranch

    Chicken Ranch

    4.0(3 reviews)
    46.4 mi

    Rumour spreadin' a-'round in that Texas town 'bout that…read moreshack outside La Grange and you know what I'm talkin' about. Just let me know if you wanna go to that home out on the range. They gotta lotta nice girls. - ZZ Top If you're looking for a plaque or some sort of historical marker to identify one of (if not the) oldest whorehouses in America you'll be sorely disappointed. Down a dusty road off the highway lay the remains of the Chicken Ranch which inspired such classics as "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and the musical gem "La Grange". Behind a metal fence with some cows roaming about lay the decrepit remains of a building. You'll have to use your imagination to fill in the rest of the blanks, guessing what was. Originally opened in 1844 and run by a widow named Mrs. Swine. The brothel has a fun and colorful past that is worth a read. Here's a snippet from Wikipedia regarding the random moniker: As the Depression lingered, the number of customers dwindled, and Williams had difficulty making ends meet for her employees. She implemented the "poultry standard," charging one chicken for each sexual act. The number of chickens at the brothel exploded, and soon the place became known as the Chicken Ranch. Williams supplemented her income by selling surplus chickens and eggs.[1 Due to the history of this location, I'm surprised the state hasn't made it an official historical landmark. In the meantime, if you find yourself traveling down highway 71 around the small town of La Grange it's worth a stop to sit and guess about what used to be.

    Went by today, the remains are gone. The buildings are all cleared. Nothing to see anymore.read more

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    Independence Square - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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