Washington experienced an unprecedented rise in prostitution during and after the Civil War.

During this period, Pennsylvania Avenue became DC's most notorious red-light district, from the ramshackle "boarding houses" of Murder Bay to the glamorous pleasure houses of Marble Alley, all within sight of the Capitol. Also, a new profession for women was rising, that of the "female lobbyist." This tour will introduce you to some of the most notorious women of mid-19th Century DC.

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The route starts at the Willard Intercontinental and travels down Pennsylvania Avenue, which was the main thoroughfare along which DC's red-light district arose. The tour ends at the National Museum of the American Indian.

• 2 hours with a knowledgeable guide.

• Tour begins at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel
• Other stops include (exterior to):
• Freedom Plaza
• The Old Post Office Building
• Department of Justice
• National Archives
• Andrew Mellon Zodiac Fountain
  • National Mall
  • National Museum of the American Indian

Your guide is a local DC historian who specializes in off-the-beaten-path history. This evening-time tour explores the Federal Triangle neighborhood, which has changed drastically since the Civil War era. However, your guide will provide visuals to help guests imagine the time frame and subject matter. These tours are well-researched and questions are more than welcome!