The Divorce Colony
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Products | Books |
The Divorce Colony: How Women Revolutionized Marriage and Found Freedom on the American Frontier is a nonfiction work authored by April White and released by Hachette Book Group in 2022. The book delves into Sioux Falls, South Dakota as a prominent refuge for individuals seeking divorce, illustrated through firsthand accounts. Passages from the book have been featured in The Boston Globe, Smithsonian Magazine, and Politico.
Summary
During the late 1800s, South Dakota became a favored location for obtaining divorces due to its 90-day residency rule. Sioux Falls, reachable via railroad, attracted numerous affluent individuals who stayed at the Cataract House Hotel, creating what became known as the "divorce colony." News of these high-profile divorce cases circulated widely throughout the United States and Europe.
Among the notable personalities are Maggie Carey, granddaughter of William Backhouse Astor Sr., who ended her marriage with Alphonse de Stuers before marrying Elliott Zborowski; Mary Nevins, who divorced Jamie Blaine, son of politician James G. Blaine; and Blanche Chesebrough, who sought to dissolve her marriage to Roland Molineux amid accusations related to murder.
The United States Supreme Court ruling in Andrews v. Andrews raised questions about the validity of South Dakota divorces in other jurisdictions. In response to opposition, South Dakota extended its residency requirement to one year in 1908. Following this change, Reno, Nevada, which mandated a six-month residency, emerged as a preferred divorce destination; by the 1930s, Nevada further shortened this period to six weeks.
Throughout the twentieth century, states progressively relaxed divorce regulations and broadened acceptable grounds for dissolution, culminating in California’s 1969 enactment of no-fault divorce, which was soon adopted across the country. The final state to implement no-fault divorce legislation was New York in 2010.
Reception
The Washington Post recognizes the members of the divorce colony as trailblazers who influenced legislative bodies and societal attitudes toward divorce laws and their enforcement. The Wall Street Journal characterizes the book as "an entertaining and edifying account of the divorce industry that emerged in Sioux Falls." The Wyoming Tribune Eagle describes it as "fascinating, unique, and ideal for historians, those interested in women's issues, and enthusiasts of historical fiction." According to Kirkus Reviews, The Divorce Colony is "engrossing" and "meticulously researched." The Star Tribune commends White's "extensive research," emphasizing that the book chronicles the evolution of divorce rather than advocating for it.