Nevada remains unique as the only state that has addressed the matter of prostitution as activity better controlled and regulated than by merely ignoring its existence. Today approximately 35 licensed legal houses exist in ten of Nevada's seventeen counties. Legalization has existed since the early 1970's, with control and regulation varying from one county to the other. The Sagebrush Ranch is located in Lyon county, near the state capitol, in Carson City. Historically, Nevada brothels have existed from the middle of the 19th century as "Boarding Houses." They were subject to constant pressure and attack due largely by the toleration level of elected officials in each local jurisdiction. The age of true legalization was a landmark period as individual houses, or "ranches" as they are known, were able to insure both clients and working ladies a stable and uninterrupted environment for all concerned. The question is often asked how Nevada ended up dealing positively with this activity rather than making the issue strictly "against the law" as in other states? In the earliest days of Nevada's existence, even prior to statehood, the bonanza of the Comstock brought prospectors, miners, and others to our area in ever increasing numbers. Usually these were single men who found themselves without the benefit of female companionship. At one point during the height of the Comstock mining boom it was estimated that there were nearly 20 adult males for every female citizen. This encouraged many "working ladies" in St. Louis, Fort Dodge, Cheyenne, and other eastern cities to relocate to the Nevada territory to practice their trade. The demand for their services was high. Virginia City, Gold Hill, and Silver City had as many as a dozen operating brothels. Even in the early 20th century, during the mining boom in Goldfield, Nevada, as many as 500 ladies practiced the world's oldest profession. Nevada continued to grow from its early frontier beginnings and our political leaders found prostitution continuing to flourish well into the 20th century. Although the metropolitan areas of Las Vegas and Reno found their own reasons to abolish the tolerated houses, rural Nevada found a preferable alternative. Regulate, License, and control the activity. Legalization became a reality and the Lyon county ranches were among the state's first true legal houses of prostitution. Today our brothels are a beacon of success and a model for other countries, such as Holland, Germany, and Australia. These countries have followed Nevada's lead in regulating this fact of life. Brothels are highly taxed and are subjected as a privileged business to extremely tight regulation. Many counties depend heavily on the finances generated by these houses in business license fees, and many other taxes and fees. Storey County, Nevada, depends on their brothels for up to 15% of that county's general operating budget. In Lyon county, home of The Sagebrush Ranch, many public services including the county operated hospital and other medical facilities depend on the brothels and their licensing fees for financial support. The brothels also create sizeable payrolls with their support staffs of employees, that protect and support the working prostitute. "The Sagebrush" is much like a resort, with all the necessary staff positions of any quality hotel or tourist oriented "destination". An interesting phenomenon has occurred by addressing and regulating the activity of prostitution. Where sexually transmitted diseases are a regular problem and concern within the "street sex for sale" environment, just the opposite is the norm within Nevada's brothels. Following a medical and health agenda, including mandatory condom usage created by the Nevada Legislature and directed by the Nevada State Health Division, sexually transmitted disease conditions amongst the "working girls" are nearly non-existent within the legal environment that is a licensed house. Its been several years since a single working lady, during her scheduled weekly testing regime, has been found to be infected with any serious health problem. This offers a high degree of safety to her client. This is the successful result of a safe sex and hygiene agenda followed by each licensed sex worker. Nevadans are proud of the fact that today, our legal houses are the only arena of sexual activity worldwide that remains free of any AIDS or AIDS related problems. Many health professionals consider that the Nevada brothel offers the safest sexual activity available anywhere, aside from true monogamy. The philosophy in Nevada is simple. Even if they don't acknowledge it, every society has prostitution in one form or another. Research and experience has shown the best way to deal with this activity. In Nevada, the record has proven that legal and regulated is preferable to denial. A safe environment free of the negatives that are a part of "street" and other non-regulated sex activity, are the best choice for both client and working lady. Nevada learned a valuable lesson long ago. Alcohol prohibition didn't work. In fact, it created more evils than existed previously. The same hold true for any and all efforts to prohibit prostitution by creating laws against its existence. Nevada's approach to this sensitive subject is finally being watched by governments nationally and worldwide. Even other conservative states are beginning to look with envy at Nevada and how to deal with this issue. The city of San Francisco has even established a task force to study legalization. San Francisco currently spends up to $5,000,000 annually in a losing fight against out of control street sex activity and the vice that accompanies it. Legal working ladies, free of the control and abuse of panderers, are able to do positive things with their earnings. Many are attending colleges and universities. Women working within the legal business are finding themselves able to invest their earnings in all types of other business opportunities. These include computer related fields, furniture stores, and car rental agencies as examples. One working lady entrepreneur recently opened a lovely bed and breakfast in the midwestern United States. The Nevada brothel owner is proud of the quality ladies you will meet when visiting one of the state's licensed houses. She will both enlighten and stimulate you in ways beyond the general expectation. A special and warm surprise awaits any and all who include "The Sagebrush Ranch" as a part of their next visit to Nevada. Click Here Next!