Madams of DC

Explore the hidden and controversial history of Washington DC on this two hour walking tour through Pennsylvania Avenue and the Federal Triangle neighborhood. Learn about the unprecedented rise in prostitution during and after the Civil War, from the ramshackle boarding houses of Murder Bay to the glamorous pleasure houses of Marble Alley. The tour also highlights the emergence of female lobbyists and introduces some of the most notorious women of mid nineteenth century DC. Guided by a local historian, participants will gain fascinating insights into the social dynamics, culture, and history of the city during this transformative period.

The tour begins at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel and ends at the National Museum of the American Indian. Along the way, stops include Freedom Plaza, the Old Post Office Building, the Department of Justice, the National Archives, the Andrew Mellon Zodiac Fountain, and the National Mall. The guide provides visuals to help guests imagine the historic time frame and encourages questions to enhance understanding. This evening tour is well researched and offers an off the beaten path perspective of DC’s history. Participants are asked to arrive fifteen minutes early as the tour leaves on time, and it is suitable for adults eighteen to ninety nine.