Maria Gertrudis Barceló
Childhood
Born around 1800, likely in the Mexican state of Sonora, Barceló relocated to the northern territory of New Mexico with her family shortly after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821. Little is known about her childhood or family background prior to this move.
In 1823, at approximately 23 years of age, she married Manuel Sisneros at the Church of Tome. Notably, she was referred to as "Doña" by the officiating priest, indicating her recognized social standing. Despite being married, Barceló maintained her independence by retaining her maiden name and control over her personal property throughout the marriage. The couple had two sons, both of whom tragically died in infancy.
Career
Barceló's gambling career began in earnest in 1825 when Mexican authorities fined her for operating a gambling salon for miners in the Ortiz Mountains. Within the following decade, she had established a more substantial saloon operation in Santa Fe, strategically located in the center of the town.
Known by the nickname "Tules" (a diminutive of "Gertrudis"), she developed a reputation as an exceptional card player, particularly excelling at monte. Contemporary accounts consistently acknowledged her extraordinary gambling skills, often describing scenes of her winning substantial sums of gold from male patrons.
As her establishment was centrally located in Santa Fe, it became a frequent stop for American traders traveling the Santa Fe Trail. This positioning allowed her to capitalize on the economic opportunities presented by the increasing trade between the United States and Mexico during this period.
When the United States Army invaded New Mexico in 1846, Barceló demonstrated remarkable business acumen and political savvy. She loaned funds to the U.S. Army, enabling them to pay their troops and continue their occupation of Santa Fe. Some accounts also credit her with exposing a conspiracy against the Army, potentially preventing a massacre.
Revenue
Barceló's gambling enterprises and business ventures proved extraordinarily lucrative. By the time of her death in 1852, she had accumulated a remarkable fortune of $10,000 (equivalent to hundreds of thousands in today's currency) and owned several properties throughout Santa Fe. This level of wealth was exceptional for a woman of her era, particularly in the frontier territories.
Interesting facts
- Despite being widely known as a gambling expert, many American travelers wrote sensationalized and contradictory accounts of Barceló. Some described her as exceptionally beautiful, while others portrayed her as aged and toothless. Some claimed she had black hair, while others insisted she had red hair.
- Barceló was protective of her reputation in Santa Fe. Historical records indicate that on at least two occasions in the 1830s, she went to court to defend herself against slanderous comments from neighbors.
- She became a U.S. citizen in 1849 under the terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which granted citizenship to Mexican residents who remained in the territory for one year after the treaty's signing.
- American publications often referred to her as the Mexican "Queen of Sin," using her as a symbol in narratives that sought to justify the U.S. invasion of Mexico.
Legacy
Barceló died on January 17, 1852, in Santa Fe. Her funeral was reportedly elaborate and attended by "all of Santa Fe," though some critics complained it was too extravagant for a woman of her profession.
Her legend has inspired numerous fictional portrayals, including novels like "The Golden Quicksand" (1936) by Anna Burr and "The Wind Leaves No Shadow" (1948) by Ruth Laughlin. In 1962, actress Katy Jurado portrayed Doña Tules in an episode of the television anthology series "Death Valley Days."
Her story has also been immortalized in "Viva Santa Fe!", a musical by James Stewart that represented New Mexico at the 1992 World's Fair in Seville, Spain.
Frequently asked Questions
No, historical evidence does not support the allegations that Barceló was a prostitute. These claims appear to have been fabrications by American writers who often produced sensationalized accounts of Mexican society. Barceló was primarily a businesswoman who owned and operated gambling establishments.
While specific details about her gambling education are not documented, Barceló clearly mastered the card game monte, which was popular throughout Mexico and the southwestern United States during this period. Her exceptional skill suggests years of observation and practice.
Barceló's controversial reputation among Americans stemmed partially from cultural differences regarding gambling and women's roles. Additionally, some American writers deliberately portrayed Mexicans in a negative light to justify American territorial expansion. As a successful, independent Mexican businesswoman, Barceló became a convenient target for stereotyping.
Historical records indicate that Barceló and her husband had two sons, both of whom died in infancy. Her will also mentioned two young girls who lived with her, though their relationship to her is unclear.
Barceló's financial achievements were highly unusual for any woman of her era, particularly in the frontier territories. Her success as an independent businesswoman in a male-dominated field makes her story even more remarkable.
