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

Tue 29 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

Tue 29 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)

drearlrs

Jul 2020

fFrst rate tour and great value for the money. We learned things about DC that you don't read in the history books. Will definitely sign up for the other tours.

alaporteDC

Jul 2020

I went on the Madams of DC tour and it was awesome! I highly recommend it. I've lived in D.C. most of my life, but learned lots of new stuff and discovered aspects of the city's history I'd never suspected. Katie (our guide) has done an amazing job researching the Civil War period, and bringing it to life. She had lots of historical images to help set the stage. I was really impressed. The fact that she wore period garb was a great touch. The tour took place from 7 PM to 9 PM, which was perfect: not too hot, and the growing darkness helped set the atmosphere. We all wore masks, including Katie, and made sure to stay at least 6 feet apart, so I always felt safe (it helped that the tour was limited to six people).