Greeley Museum to Mark 100th Anniversary of Rattlesnake Kate Legend
The Greeley Historic Preservation Commission will present the final History Hour program of 2025 on October 23, commemorating the centennial of one of Northern Colorado's most enduring frontier legends.
The free presentation will explore the story of Kate Slaughterback, who earned the nickname "Rattlesnake Kate" after reportedly killing 140 rattlesnakes during a harrowing encounter near Hudson on October 28, 1925.
The program begins at noon at the Greeley History Museum, located at 714 8th Street. No reservations are required.
Two Perspectives on a Colorado Legend
Local historian and retired School District 6 teacher Tannis Bator will present a living history portrayal of Slaughterback, examining how a single dramatic incident transformed a Weld County woman into a regional celebrity. Bator, who has performed living history presentations of both Rattlesnake Kate and educator Emily Griffith, is active in community theater and mentors Young Chautauquans.
Augusta "Gus" Rudnick, Assistant Curator of Interpretation at Centennial Village Museum, will analyze how the story spread through newspapers and maps across the United States. Rudnick will also explain how Slaughterback shaped her own narrative and secured her legacy by donating her famous rattlesnake-skin dress to what was then the Greeley Municipal Museum three weeks before her death in 1969.
The dress remains a centerpiece of the Greeley Museums collection, displayed alongside Slaughterback's .22 Remington rifle and other artifacts at both the Greeley History Museum and Centennial Village Museum.
The 1925 Incident That Created a Legend
Katherine McHale Slaughterback was riding horseback with her three-year-old adopted son, Ernie, near her Hudson farm when they encountered more than 100 migrating rattlesnakes blocking their path, according to the City of Greeley Museums. After exhausting her rifle ammunition, Slaughterback reportedly used a sign post to fight the snakes for over two hours before reaching safety.
A neighbor alerted a reporter, who photographed Slaughterback with the snakes strung on a wire. The image made national news, and the press dubbed her "Rattlesnake Kate."
Slaughterback later fashioned the snakeskins into a flapper-style dress, shoes and accessories, which she wore to social events. The resourceful use of the snakeskins reflected her reputation as an independent woman who worked as a nurse and taxidermist during an era when such choices were unconventional for women in Weld County.
Rudnick received the National Council of Public History's New Professional Award in April 2024. At Centennial Village Museum, she helps interpret northeastern Colorado history from the 1860s to 1940s through demonstrations at the museum's print shop and other historic structures. The 8-acre living history site features more than 35 architecturally significant buildings relocated and restored to their original appearance.
Historic Preservation Commission Educational Programming
The History Hour series represents one component of the Greeley Historic Preservation Commission's public education efforts. The commission's responsibilities include recommending properties for designation to the Greeley Historic Register, reviewing alterations to designated historic properties, and promoting awareness of Greeley's historic resources, according to the Greeley Municipal Code.
The commission works in partnership with city staff and property owners to preserve sites and structures that reflect significant elements of Greeley's cultural, social, economic and architectural history.
Residents seeking additional information about the October 23 presentation can contact Betsy Kellums in the Historic Preservation Office at [email protected] or 970-350-9222.