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)

dawnbQ6368GV

Oct 2020

Hubby and I had a great time with friends (socially distanced, of course) on Off The Mall Tours Madams of DC tour last night. We learned that Washington, DC experienced an unprecedented rise in prostitution during and after the Civil War and about how Pennsylvania Avenue became DC's most notorious red light district, from the ramshackle "boarding houses" of Murder Bay to the luxury bordellos of Marble Alley. We also learned about the women who ran these houses - and the women who worked in these houses - back before prostitution was illegal. It was a fascinating glimpse into some of DC's less discussed history! Katie wears complimentary attire for each of her tour themes (she has others!) and is clearly a through researcher and definitely a gifted story teller. I can't wait to take all of her other tours!

O3049KYricardon

Sep 2020

Really enjoyed this fun, informative tour. Katie knows her stuff and her enthusiasm is infectious. Great for locals and out-of-towners alike!

Kerry O

Sep 2020

A fascinating, well-researched and engaging tour about pre and post Civil War Washington and the "bawdy houses." Fantastic stories about the madams, sex workers and customers, and relevant commentary about modern day sex work. This is a perfect pandemic activity - all outside, easy to socially distance and can totally hear Katie through her mask. Refreshment break along the way. I have lived in DC for 25 years, worked and scurried about these streets for years and i had no idea about this history.