Galveston Red Light District 90-Minute Guided Cultural Tour
by Historic Galveston Ghost Tours
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$62Overview
Galveston was once known as "America’s Playground," a place where gambling, alcohol, brothels, and organized crime shaped the island’s nightlife and economy. This 90-minute guided walking tour explores the area known as the Red Light District, revealing how vice and corruption were openly part of daily life. The tour includes stops at historically significant locations connected to the district’s past. The visit begins at the Antique Warehouse, originally the Oleander Hotel built in 1913, which served as a safe lodging for African American travelers during the Jim Crow era. Next, the group visits the site of the Mace Empire, formerly Sam and Rosario's first barber shop, which was used for bootlegging wine and spirits. The tour continues to the former home of Molly Waters, one of Galveston’s most notorious madams who retired as a millionaire; her house is currently under restoration. Finally, the tour covers the area where the railroad once brought in up to 40,000 men daily during the height of the district’s activity, all seeking entertainment. This cultural tour offers a focused look at Galveston’s complex history with crime and entertainment. Gratuities are not included. Military personnel attend free of charge.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Antique Warehouse
This building was originally the Oleander Hotel built in 1913. It was listed in the Green Book as a safe place for African American travelers during the Jim Crow era to stay while traveling to Galveston.
20 min
Mace Empire Site
This location marks the start of the Mace Empire. It was formerly Sam and Rosario's first barber shop, where they illegally sold wine and spirits to their customers.
20 min
Molly Waters’ Former Home
This house was once owned by Molly Waters, one of Galveston’s most famous madams who retired as a millionaire. The house is currently being restored.
20 min
Railroad Area
At the peak of the Red Light District, the railroad brought up to 40,000 men daily to the island, all seeking entertainment and companionship.
20 min
Meeting point
We will meet outside of the Leeland House.
End point
We will meet outside of the Leeland House.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Galveston Red Light District 90-Minute Guided Cultural Tour
by Historic Galveston Ghost Tours
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$62Overview
Galveston was once known as "America’s Playground," a place where gambling, alcohol, brothels, and organized crime shaped the island’s nightlife and economy. This 90-minute guided walking tour explores the area known as the Red Light District, revealing how vice and corruption were openly part of daily life. The tour includes stops at historically significant locations connected to the district’s past. The visit begins at the Antique Warehouse, originally the Oleander Hotel built in 1913, which served as a safe lodging for African American travelers during the Jim Crow era. Next, the group visits the site of the Mace Empire, formerly Sam and Rosario's first barber shop, which was used for bootlegging wine and spirits. The tour continues to the former home of Molly Waters, one of Galveston’s most notorious madams who retired as a millionaire; her house is currently under restoration. Finally, the tour covers the area where the railroad once brought in up to 40,000 men daily during the height of the district’s activity, all seeking entertainment. This cultural tour offers a focused look at Galveston’s complex history with crime and entertainment. Gratuities are not included. Military personnel attend free of charge.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Antique Warehouse
This building was originally the Oleander Hotel built in 1913. It was listed in the Green Book as a safe place for African American travelers during the Jim Crow era to stay while traveling to Galveston.
20 min
Mace Empire Site
This location marks the start of the Mace Empire. It was formerly Sam and Rosario's first barber shop, where they illegally sold wine and spirits to their customers.
20 min
Molly Waters’ Former Home
This house was once owned by Molly Waters, one of Galveston’s most famous madams who retired as a millionaire. The house is currently being restored.
20 min
Railroad Area
At the peak of the Red Light District, the railroad brought up to 40,000 men daily to the island, all seeking entertainment and companionship.
20 min
Meeting point
We will meet outside of the Leeland House.
End point
We will meet outside of the Leeland House.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.