The "Madams of DC" Guided Walking Tour

Washington, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (68 reviews)

Highlights

  • 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

Meeting Point

The meeting point is in front of the Willard Center, next to the Occidental on Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Look for the guide wearing the costume!

Meeting point

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500 , United States

End point

End Point

Tour ends at the National Museum of the American Indian, which used to be the site of a notorious brothel. Smithsonian and Federal Center Metro Stations (Orange/Blue/Silver lines) are both only two blocks away.

Meeting point

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End point

What to expect

1

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.

2

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.

Duration 15 minutes
3

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.

Duration 10 minutes
4

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!

Duration 20 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
5

National Gallery of Art

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

Duration 10 minutes
6

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.

Duration 10 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

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

What our experts say

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    Visit Hill Country BBQ for drinks!
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    Check the schedule for tour dates.
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    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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    Nearby Metro stations: Smithsonian.
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    Bring a camera for unique sights!

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