The Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour

The "Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour" takes visitors on a captivating journey through the city’s notorious past. From rebellious women shipped to Ursuline nuns for "correction" to the influential madams of Storyville, these resilient souls defied societal norms and created a vibrant sex trade. Their stories reveal how they embraced independence, leaving an indelible mark on New Orleans’ colorful history. Exploring 300 years of naughty history, the tour showcases the women who shaped the city’s infamous reputation.

Key Points

• Explore the history of New Orleans’ notorious red-light district, Storyville, and the powerful madams who ran its lavish brothels in the late 1800s.
• Discover the origins of New Orleans’ reputation as a "sin city," dating back to the 1700s when "wayward" women were sent to the Ursuline Convent for "correction."
• Uncover the dark past of the French Market, which attracted a seedy crowd of gamblers, pickpockets, and prostitutes, contrasting with the nearby genteel society.
• Learn about the legacy of Southern Decadence, an internationally renowned LGBTQ+ celebration that honors New Orleans’ history of inclusivity and tolerance.
• Gain insights into how these "badly behaved" women shaped the unique cultural and social fabric of New Orleans through their entrepreneurial endeavors and refusal to conform to societal norms.

Exploring 300 Years of Naughty History

Tracing back over 300 years, this tour explores New Orleans’ storied history of "badly behaved" women.

It originates in the 1700s when women were shipped from brothels and prisons to Ursuline nuns for "correction." This gave rise to a notorious pleasure district that became renowned beyond city limits.

Visitors will learn about the creation of Storyville, where madams flaunted their diamonds.

The tour highlights the French Market’s dangerous past and the story of Southern Decadence at the Golden Lantern.

This unique experience offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ naughty history through the lens of its most infamous female figures.

Women Shipped From Brothels and Prisons

New Orleans’ naughty history traces back to the 1700s, when women were shipped from brothels and prisons to Ursuline nuns for "correction."

This practice gave rise to a notorious pleasure district that became renowned beyond city limits. The nuns aimed to reform these "wayward" women, but their efforts often failed. Instead, the women embraced their independence and built a thriving sex trade that catered to sailors, plantation owners, and travelers.

This early red-light district laid the foundation for New Orleans’ reputation as a sin city, paving the way for the infamous Storyville district in the late 1800s.

The Creation of a Pleasure District

As the nuns’ efforts to reform the "wayward" women often failed, the women embraced their independence and built a thriving sex trade that catered to sailors, plantation owners, and travelers.

New Orleans’ pleasure district, known as Storyville, became renowned beyond city limits for its lavish brothels, where madams flaunted their diamonds.

Some key highlights include:

1. The creation of an entertainment district with music, dance, and liquor, drawing crowds from across the country.

2. The hotel of May Baily’s Place, the first legal brothel in New Orleans.

3. The emergence of legendary madams who wielded significant power and influence in the city.

Storyville’s Palaces of Sin

Storyville’s brothels were true palaces of sin, where madams flaunted their wealth and power through lavish displays of diamonds and grand architectural designs. The most notorious were:

Madam	Establishment
Lulu White	Mahogany Hall
Ada Washington	Babe’s Place
Mary Deubler	Fern House

These madams ruled their domains with an iron fist, entertaining the city’s elite and foreign visitors alike. Storyville’s infamy spread far and wide, cementing New Orleans’ reputation as a decadent haven of vice and debauchery.

Notorious Spots in the French Market

The French Market, once a notorious hotspot in New Orleans, was no stranger to the city’s seedier underbelly.

Situated just steps away from the Ursuline Convent, it drew a decidedly unsavory crowd. Gamblers, pickpockets, and prostitutes all made their home in the bustling marketplace.

Visitors could:

1. Witness the bawdy interactions between customers and vendors.
2. Stumble upon shadowy figures conducting illicit deals in dark corners.
3. Occasionally spot a local madam flaunting her latest jewels, fresh from exploiting the less fortunate.

The French Market’s reputation for vice and debauchery was well-earned, a stark contrast to the genteel society just beyond its borders.

The Story of Southern Decadence

Though its origins can be traced back to the late 19th century, the story of Southern Decadence truly bloomed in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter.

What began as a small, private event has grown into an internationally renowned annual LGBTQ+ pride celebration.

Every Labor Day weekend, the French Quarter comes alive with colorful costumes, live music, and revelry.

Visitors from around the world flock to the city to experience the energy and freedom of this vibrant festival, which pays homage to New Orleans’ rich history of inclusivity and tolerance.

The First Legal Brothel in New Orleans

May Baily’s Place was the first legal brothel to open in New Orleans. It operated openly from 1907 to 1917 in the red-light district of Storyville.

The brothel offered three notable features:

1. Elegant parlors where high-class prostitutes entertained customers.
2. A stage and dance floor where the women performed for entertainment.
3. A private room upstairs where Madame Baily, the brothel’s owner, lived.

While May Baily’s Place exemplified the decadence of Storyville, it also represented the complex social dynamics that shaped the lives of the "badly behaved women" who made New Orleans a notorious destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Health and Safety Precautions for the Tour?

The tour has some basic health and safety precautions. It’s not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. Service animals are permitted, and the tour is near public transportation. Participants should wear comfortable shoes for the walking tour.

What Is the Dress Code for Participants?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes for walking. Dressing in a way that respects the tour’s historical context is recommended, though not required.

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Preferences?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences with advance notice. Participants should notify the tour operator of any special needs when booking the tour to ensure their requirements are met.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but participants are advised to be respectful and obtain permission before taking photos of other tour members or private properties. The tour guide can provide guidance on appropriate photo opportunities.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Refunds are available if the tour is cancelled by the operator or traveler cancels within the 24-hour window prior to the start time.

The Sum Up

The Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour provides a captivating glimpse into the city’s notorious past. From rebellious women sent to convents to the influential madams of Storyville, these resilient figures defied societal norms and left an indelible mark on New Orleans’ history. The tour showcases their stories, revealing how they embraced independence and shaped the vibrant, colorful culture of the city.