Murder Bay, Hell’s Bottom, and Other Long-Gone Neighborhoods from 1800s Washington
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
Instructor
Allison Arlotta grew up in Takoma Park, and no matter how many times she tries to leave the D.C. area, it keeps sucking her back in. It looks like she’ll finally break free this fall when she joins the Historic Preservation program at Columbia University. Besides shedding a tear when old buildings are demolished, her hobbies include flying trapeze, yelling at the TV, and celebrity gossip.