Madams of DC Walking Tour

Overview

This tour is offered the first and third Friday of the month. Check website for exact schedule. All tours available for private tours.

The Madams in DC walking tour gives you a totally unique side of DC's history that you won't hear anywhere else. The Civil War completely transformed the capital, and turned Pennsylvania Avenue into a red light district lined with bawdy houses, taverns, theaters, and commercial ventures. Hard to imagine, now that it's lined with monolithic government buildings! You'll learn about how the women who worked in these brothels made their way in life, and even had an impact on affairs of government.

City: Washington DC

Wed 30 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

Wed 30 Apr

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

2.5 hours of fascinating information by an experienced guide. No entry fees necessary.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Guests must be able to be on their feet for at least 2 hours.

What To Expect

Freedom Plaza

Where Freedom Plaza is now once used to be the notorious neighborhood known as Murder Bay. As we walk through this spacious open area currently used for festivals and music events, you'll hear all about the taverns, gambling houses, and brothels popular with Northern Arm soldiers that used to stand there.

The National Archives Museum

Continuing in our journey through time, you'll learn about the lives of prostitutes in Civil War DC and the part they played in society, as we pass by the former site of the largest central urban Market in DC.

National Gallery of Art

The former site of Marble Alley, where two of DC's highest paid Madams had a vicious rivalry.

National Museum of the American Indian

An archeological dig discovered the remains of DC most notorious, and yet charitable, Madams. The tour ends at this, the most glamorous of DC's Civil War-era pleasure houses.

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (68)

SwellDani

Jan 2021

Fascinating tour of the hidden history of DC’s madams and brothels. Katie makes history come alive with her enthusiasm and unforgettable anecdotes.

SConesaG

Oct 2020

The thematic tours unveils many interesting but often forgotten or ignored historic facts about DC. They focus on the lives of the Washingtonians, but not those appearing in the history books, but the rest of us: strongly recommended!

584ScottS

Oct 2020

What an amazing tour! Before this tour I had no idea of the history of the Madams of DC. It was so interesting to learn about the various madams, the power they wielded, and how they looked after their employees. It was even more fun because Katie dressed the part--this adds a little flair to the tour and makes her easy to find at the starting point. A great and fun way to stroll around town and learn about a part of history that it is so seldom talked about because it's considered "taboo".