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Galveston Red Light District: Mob History Tour
4.8
180 Ratings
Galveston
Step back in time and explore the dark and intriguing history of Galveston’s Red Light District. Discover the secrets of the mob-run casinos and the world-class entertainers who graced their stages.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Antique Warehouse - Originally the Oleander Hotel in 1913. Listed in the Green Book as safe haven in the Jim Crow south. A place where the African American travelers could stay their journey to Galveston.
- Maceo Spice & Import Company - The starting point of the Mace Empire. Formally Sam and Rosarrio first barber shop where they bootlegged wine and spirits for their thirsty guest.
- Island Carriages - Formally the home of Molly Waters. One of the most famous houses on the island. Molly is Galveston’s most infamous Madam as she retired a millionaire. The house is currently being restored.
- Galveston Railroad Museum - At the height of the Red Light district, the railroad brought in 40,000 men a day all looking for love.
![](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/07/3b/37/de.jpg)
What's Included
- Guided tour of Galveston’s red light district
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Experience the days when Galveston was under mob control, and guests were cherished like family members. Across the bridge lay ‘The Free State of Galveston,’ a land abiding solely by mob laws. A-list personalities like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin were some of the elite entertainers invited to perform in its casinos. Everyone indulged in their version of the ‘Vegas Dream’ within Galveston itself.
- Active military personnel free
Location
2711 Market St
Market Street
Your tour will begin with our famous Red Light District. At its height there were 55 houses of prostitution on Post Office Street alone. The authenticity of this tour is the result of extensive research and firsthand information from our consultants including former FBI special agents, documentaries, newspaper clips, books, and interviews. We'll visit the sites of the brothels, casinos, and were the gangsters lived. Al Capone came to Galveston with an eye to take things over. He lasted a week and was escorted off the island never to return.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(180 Ratings)
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Z3180pulizb
Aug 3, 2024
Fun and Interesting Time - Super Interesting Engaging
Good Walk and History Lesson
Great Voice
What makes Galveston so Special
The first Entertainment Capital of the US
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexandriab481
Aug 3, 2024
Awesome red light tour - Dave was amazing!!!! Super informative, we learned so much about the historic red light district and what makes Galveston so special
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Annieks6920pr
Jul 26, 2024
Never mind the noise - The information was great with lots that we haven’t heard or read from other sources. Our guide David was quick to answer questions and didn’t bs. David was able to stay composed even with an unexpected live band performance happening nearby.
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Suzannekp9146nb
Jul 25, 2024
Interesting perspective on early days of Red Light District in Galveston - We took a 10:00 tour Tuesday evening. Dave was personable and knowledgeable and did his best to provide an interesting tour. I am not sure if it was because of the time, but it would have been nice to go in side a building to see what a brothel looked like. I liked the fact that Dave seemed to want to continue to learn more and more about the subject to add material for future tours. He did his best to answer our questions. We appreciated him sharing his mosquito repellant with all of us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Corint80
Jul 23, 2024
Would recommend :) - Dave was very knowledgeable and this tour was super interesting! We went as two adult couples. It’s kind of the untold history of downtown Galveston. Very cool and unique tour, and an affordable experience.
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M9594mxnatashaj
Jul 20, 2024
Galveston Red Light District Tour - Was a very cool experience learned a lot about Galveston and facts on the history behind brothels . You’ll have to try it out ..Has alittle Ghost history as well..
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N2383zztommyc
Jul 19, 2024
Birthday brothal tour. - Dave was incredible! Hes very informative, personable and excited about the subject. My wife and I had a blast learning about the seedy, yet, integral part of Galveston's past. And, my wife got to visit brothels for her birthday!
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Tadaf2024
Jul 19, 2024
Informative experience and fun - Dave was awesome, really informative and definitely covered a lot more than we imagined. Will be using y’all again for additional tours on future stays in Galveston
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Kellyaw9908cv
Jul 16, 2024
Wonderful and fun experience on this tour! - Great time with David! He had so much great information and stories on the Red Light District! I will definitely recommend him to friends and family to go on this tour!
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Olgabe2813sc
Jul 20, 2024
Our guide gets 5 start! but the organization of the tour is 2 stars - the tour was very interesting, we learned a lot from history! Our guide was Nat, she explained things with details and humor.
I would give this tour a 5 stars, but there are a few “buts”: 1. our original tour was rescheduled from last night due to rain to the next day. Dave said he messaged the owner and it was rescheduled for the next day at 2pm. He also said that he would be our guide. The next day we arrived on time (even 15 minutes earlier). at 2 o'clock no one came, we had to contact the office ourselves and find out. As a result, the tour was delayed by 30 minutes. it was unpleasant.
We are grateful to Nat, she explained the situation to us, that at the last minute they called her and told her to replace our original guide due his sickness. I’m not sure what the problem was, but our aftertaste could have been different if someone had contacted us in advance and explained the situation, rather than us calling ourselves, finding out and waiting
2. Was a little disappointed that we couldn’t go inside anywhere, although the tour details indicate the entrance to Antique warehouse.- it was closed for some reason, even Nat was surprised.
Our guide Nat gets 5 stars! but I would give the organization of the tour 2 stars.
Review provided by Tripadvisor