Murder Bay, Hell’s Bottom, and Other Long-Gone Neighborhoods from 1800s Washington

date Tuesday, 30 June 2015 time 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

👤 Allison Arlotta 🏢 West End Interim Library

Past

event preview image

One hundred and nine bawdy-houses! Goodness gracious! (Library of Congress photo)

Take a breather from the luxury-studio-filled D.C. of today, and travel back in time to Washington of the 1800s, when crime was rampant, gangs ruled the streets, and centers of vice and prostitution flourished within sight of the White House.

In this class, you’ll learn how places like Federal Triangle, Logan Circle, and Navy Yard used to be scenes of seediness with names like Murder Bay, Hell’s Bottom, and Bloodfield. We’ll read first-hand accounts of life in 19th-century D.C., from stories about beat police to the tale of the city’s only female lamplighter. Along the way, we’ll talk about what it is that really makes a neighborhood. Come ready for lively discussion!

This class is presented in partnership with DC Public Library.

Location

West End Interim Library
2522 Virginia Ave. NW
Washington, DC
Neighborhood: West End

Past event