Madams of DC Walking Tour

Overview

* Tour is offered every Friday, alternating start times of either 4pm or 6pm. Check the website for exact schedule.

The Madams in DC tour gives you a perspective 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 main street 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. Tour is held on alternating Friday mornings and evenings.

City: Washington DC

Sun 23 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $25.58

Make a reservation

Sun 23 Feb

Starting at $25.58

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Two 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.
Face masks required for travellers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travellers
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons

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 (47)

866eugenes

Jun 2022

Fantastic tour through downtown DC focused on Civil War times when this area was filled with brothels...fascinating history of the madames and the lifestyle that existed when the Union Army was occupying the city. Katie was spectacular. Highly recommend to tourists and residents alike!

reneesT725XY

Jun 2022

We truly enjoyed Katie’s Madams of DC tour. She was enthusiastic, engaging and extremely knowledgeable about this topic! We were intrigued and captivated by the fascinating history of these women during the 1860’s. Her ability to tell a story and bring it to life was awesome! We highly recommend her tour and plan to go on another very soon!

I9749RKjimk

Jun 2022

Katie is an awesome blend of tour guide and historian. Her passion in research paints an excellent looking glass into a very in unique historical time for our nations capital. She gave us a ton of completely fascinating info & we loved her delivery & every minute of the tour!