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Madams of DC Walking Tour

5 (63)
Washington DC, US
5 (63)
Washington DC, US
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Experience the untold history of Washington DC with the Madams of DC Walking Tour. Journey through the city's scandalous past as you explore the red light district that once lined Pennsylvania Avenue. Discover how these women shaped the Capital and even influenced affairs of government. From the notorious neighborhood known as Murder Bay to the site of a vicious rivalry between two high-paid Madams, every step of this tour reveals secrets and stories that are both shocking and intriguing. Stop for a drink at Hill Country BBQ, where the higher class working girls would attend grand parties with army officers. The tour culminates at the glamorous National Museum of the American Indian, the site of a notorious brothel. Don't miss this captivating tour that reveals a hidden side of DC's history.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Not Included
  • 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Unique perspective on DC's history
  • Learn about the lives of prostitutes in Civil War DC
  • Visit the former site of a notorious brothel
  • Experience the scandalous parties hosted by the Odd Fellows
  • Discover the remains of DC's most notorious Madams
  • Two hours of fascinating information by an experienced guide. no entry fees necessary.
  • Refreshments at hill country bbq half-way stop.

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More about this experience

Introduction

Explore the hidden secrets of Washington DC with the captivating Madams of DC Walking Tour. Unveil a hidden side of the nation's capital, as you dive into the fascinating world of the city's red light district during the Civil War era. This insightful tour sheds light on the women who shaped the city's history and even influenced affairs of government. Walk in their footsteps and discover the stories that history books often overlook.

What to expect?

During this immersive 150-minute experience, you can expect to be transported back in time as you visit significant landmarks and hidden corners of the city. Led by an expert guide, you'll unravel the secrets of the red light district while hearing tales of the women who lived and worked in these brothels. From the notorious Murder Bay to the former site of the largest central urban Market, each step will immerse you in the vibrant past of Washington DC.

Who is this for?

The Madams of DC Walking Tour welcomes all history enthusiasts, curious minds, and travelers who seek a unique perspective of Washington DC. Whether you're a solo adventurer, a group of friends, or a couple looking for an unconventional experience, this tour offers a captivating glimpse into the city's lesser-known history. From history buffs to those with a general interest in exploring the offbeat aspects of a destination, the Madams of DC Walking Tour is sure to captivate a wide range of individuals.

Why book this?

Uncover a side of Washington DC rarely explored by tourists as you embark on the Madams of DC Walking Tour. This experience delves into a compelling chapter of the city's past, offering a fresh and alternative perspective. Led by knowledgeable guides, who expertly weave together history and storytelling, this tour immerses you in the intriguing lives of the women who shaped the red light district during the Civil War era. Unravel the mysteries of the past and gain insights that few have the chance to discover.

Good to know

The Madams of DC Walking Tour spans approximately 150 minutes, making it an ideal activity for those looking to explore the city's history within a manageable timeframe. The tour encompasses various notable landmarks, including Freedom Plaza, the Trump International Hotel, the National Archives Museum, Hill Country BBQ, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Museum of the American Indian. As you traverse these locations, you'll learn intriguing and lesser-known facts about the role of women in shaping the history of Washington DC.

Reviews

Visitors who have embarked on the Madams of DC Walking Tour have praised its unique and engaging perspective on the city's history. They commend the knowledgeable guides for their ability to breathe life into the past, providing a captivating experience that leaves a lasting impression. Travelers appreciate how the tour offers a different lens through which to view Washington DC, shedding light on the often-overlooked stories of women who played a significant role in the city's development. Overall, the Madams of DC Walking Tour offers an enlightening and memorable exploration of the nation's capital.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Freedom Plaza

(Pass by)

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.

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

On the block where the Trump International Hotel, formerly the Old Postal Office building, currently stands, was the 11th Street strip, a subsection of the Red Light district on Pennsylvania Avenue where the Military Provost Guard harassed and arrested some of the raucous Madams in the neighborhood.

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.

IOOF Temple Building

We'll stop for a drink at Hill Country BBQ (*cost of beverage not included), across the street from the International Order of Odd Fellows Temple. The IOOF supported the arts, and the art of having a good time. It was common to see the higher class working girls walking into a grand party hosted by the Odd Fellows, on the arm of an Army Officer. Scandalous!

Admission Not Included

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.

Reviews

(63)

5 (63)

juliebZ4747RW

Katie gave a great tour! Her storytelling makes DC history come alive. She’s clearly done her research. The walk is well paced and the midpoint stop gives a nice break for those who may need a breather. This is the fourth tour that I’ve been on and look forward to signing up for my next one.

Adventurer541472

This tour with Katie really made the city and era of Madams come alive. Katie knows the history well and gave a thorough description of what was happening in each area of the “red light district,” who frequented the brothals, what they wore and even what they ate. Fascinating information and made even more fun by Katie’s personality!

christinapB3617LH

Katie was a very knowledgeable, friendly, and charismatic tour guide. I loved getting to learn more about DC as a city and spend time exploring away from the National Mall. It expanded my appreciation for our nation's capital. I'm lucky to live nearby and will gladly return to partake in Katie's other tours!

frankg743

Katie was a fantastic guide! The 11 of us enjoyed learning about the legal madams and brothels from the 1st to the 3rd class establishments. How government and military played a role in the brothels. The areas and the how they looked prior to 1901. Very good tour and will definitely be back for another tour. Thank you for making it a success!

Greg_E

Wonderful walking trip in DC on a crisp fall evening and heard a history of the area and its colorful history. Highly recommend.

Paul_S

Loved the history. Guide was very good at describing the photos when she realized my wife was blind.

Michael_B

It was a great history lesson on the history of DC, how it grew up, and the role the sex trade played. Added a great perspective of another part of the civil war impact in the states, and good visuals of DC in the 1800s. The stories were amazing and well documented. Great experience and highly recommend for a different perspective.

Kathleen_J

The Madams of DC tour is a unique perspective on the civil war era and survival. We enjoyed the stories of the Madams and how the industry delineated the quality of the brothels based on location which was also based wealth and influence of the clientele. After this tour I really feel that the current state of the industry should be criminal. The public’s health would be better served by making the business legal, returning control to the workers and putting Pimps out of business.

Alina_P

Just experienced the 'Madams of DC' tour by Off the Mall Tours, and I can't recommend it enough! Katie Kirkpatrick, our guide, was absolutely amazing—engaging, knowledgeable, and passionate about D.C.'s hidden history. She took us on a journey through time, revealing how madams, soldiers, and officers were the backbone of D.C.'s economy during the Civil War. With an astonishing 6% of the population in this line of work and 95% of the businesses being women-run, Katie made sure this was more than a tour—it was a revelation. If you're in D.C., this is a must-do.

Global51150108643

Katie was very knowledgeable and the tour was very informative and fun! Good pace and a well timed break in the middle. Highly recommend!!
Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners
2024-06-11 00:37