Clayton ‘Peg Leg’ Bates: A Black History Icon of Ulster County

Ulster County has seen its fair share of characters, but none can quite measure up to Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates, the one-legged tap dancer who turned a tragic accident into a career that dazzled audiences worldwide. His story is a cocktail of grit, rhythm, and a sprinkle of Catskills charm, and it’s one you won’t soon forget.

From the Cotton Gin to the Big Time

Born in 1907 in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, Bates grew up in a world stacked against him. As a child, he worked in the cotton fields to help his family scrape by—until one day, at the tender age of 12, his leg was caught in a cotton gin. Losing his left leg could have ended his dreams, but instead, Bates leaned into his mother’s encouragement and his uncle’s ingenuity (he built Bates’ first wooden peg leg) to learn how to tap dance all over again.

And learn he did. Armed with a makeshift prosthetic and unstoppable determination, Bates began performing locally, mesmerizing audiences with a rhythmic blend of athleticism, humor, and an unmistakable clack-clack-clack from his peg leg. Soon, word spread: there was a one-legged dancer on the scene who was better than most two-legged ones.

Dancing Past Barriers

In the 1920s and ’30s, Bates carved out a place for himself in the vaudeville circuit—a brutal, competitive world where even able-bodied performers struggled to succeed. Bates, however, was anything but ordinary. His inventive moves and undeniable charm propelled him to international fame. He graced legendary stages, headlined at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, and became a regular on The Ed Sullivan Show, making an astonishing 21 appearances.

His routines blended precision and showmanship with a wink of humor, often poking fun at his own peg leg with moves no one else could duplicate. (“Try it if you dare,” he seemed to say, as he spun impossibly fast on his wooden limb.)

But his career wasn’t just about fancy footwork. Bates’ success challenged perceptions of disability, race, and talent, proving that true artistry transcends societal limitations.

The Peg Leg Bates Country Club: A Catskills Treasure

After decades of touring, Bates set his sights on something more permanent: a resort where Black families could relax and enjoy world-class entertainment at a time when many other vacation destinations weren’t welcoming. So, in 1951, he opened the Peg Leg Bates Country Club in Kerhonkson, Ulster County.

This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill Catskills retreat. It had everything: swimming pools, tennis courts, a banquet hall, and nightly entertainment featuring performers like Sammy Davis Jr. and Duke Ellington. Bates himself often took to the stage, ensuring guests got a taste of his legendary talent while enjoying their summer cocktails. The resort became a sanctuary for families during segregation and remained a cherished getaway for decades.

Though the club eventually closed in the 1980s, its legacy is fondly remembered by those who visited. It wasn’t just a resort—it was a beacon of hospitality and joy, nestled in the rolling hills of Ulster County.

The Rhythm Lives On

Today, Bates’ legacy is woven into the fabric of Ulster County. A stretch of road in Kerhonkson bears his name—Peg Leg Bates Road—a fitting tribute to a man whose life was defined by forward motion, even on one leg. His story continues to inspire tap dancers, performers, and those who appreciate a good underdog tale with an unforgettable beat.

Though his resort no longer stands, you can almost hear the echo of his taps if you close your eyes while exploring the area. Bates’ life reminds us that a bit of determination (and a lot of flair) can turn life’s setbacks into showstoppers.

A Tap of Humor and Heart

There’s something irresistible about Peg Leg Bates’ story. Maybe it’s the way he turned a wooden leg into a ticket to stardom, or how he built a community in the Catskills that left lasting memories for thousands. Or maybe it’s that sly smile he seemed to flash every time he performed—as if he was in on a joke the rest of the world had yet to figure out.

So, the next time you’re in Ulster County, tip your hat (or tap your foot) to the man who proved you don’t need two legs to leave an indelible mark on the world. After all, life’s about keeping the rhythm, no matter what gets thrown your way. And Peg Leg Bates? He had rhythm to spare.