RED LIGHT DISTRICT TOURS
Tickets Prices Adults $25 / Children $15 and Active Military FREE with I.D.
Parental discretion advised.
Under 16 not admitted without a parent
Return to a time when the mob ran Galveston and their guests were treated as if they were family. When you crossed the bridge you enter "The Free State of Galveston," where the only rules were mob rules. The stars of the era were world class entertainers brought in to perform in the casinos, including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin. Everyone was enjoying their own "Vegas dream" right here in Galveston.
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.
AMAZING NEW TOUR!
THE MOB
Galveston’s red light district lasted for over 70 years as a unique successful industry because of the combination of social and economic conditions on the island. One of the factors that contributed the longevity was the existence of the mob who controlled the booze and gambling. Vices came in threes; drinking, gambling and prostitution. The vices were tolerated on the island because it filled the hotels. 2% of the population worked directly for the mob, 20% worked indirectly.
SOILED DOVES
They came from all over the country because Galveston was where the money and the action was, but only the beautiful stayed because of the fierce competition. The "soiled doves" as they were known, sold love by the hour (or every 15 minutes). Those considered less attractive migrated to the Wild West. They paid rent and 40% commission to the Madams. They worked three weeks on and one week off. They would service sometimes up to 25 clients in a night, making up to $450 per week ($4,000 in today's money). Constantly subjected to harassment by the police, venereal disease and violence, it was no easy life. Despite the high wages, suicide was prevalent, often as a result of drinking mercury to induce abortion. With advancing age they were required to move to the lower-end houses where the wages were reduced significantly.
THE MADAMS
Some of the most successful women in Galveston were the madams. Rising through the ranks, most were former prostitutes who saved their money for old age...25 years! They bought or leased houses and would only entertain certain visitors or distinguished guests in their private parlors. The madams had working relationships with the politicians, police, pimps and gangsters. Extremely shrewd, they could navigate their way through the myriad of demands placed upon them. Some retired as millionaires and took their place in "proper society".
REMNANTS
Beautiful and elegant Victorian Mansions, built before the Civil War. When the downtown business district was expanded by the Union Army, Postoffice Street was split in two and the houses between 25th and 33rd on Postoffice declined in value and became less desirable. They were readily snapped up by the shrewd madams of New Orleans who knew a bargain when they saw one. Close to the port and downtown business districts, these elegant but worthless houses were in an ideal location. The houses were uniformly painted white with either green or grey shutters as a shrewd marketing device by the madams. The higher-end and elegant houses were located directly on Postoffice Street. The alleys and cross streets were lined with "cribs" where sex could be had for a quarter.
MEET UP
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Content may NOT be appropriate for children under 16.
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Parental discretion advised. Under 16 not admitted without a parent
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Tours depart daily at 6, 8 and 10pm.
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Tours meets at 2711 Market St. 77550.
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Please arrive 15 minutes early.
TESTIMONIALS
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"Had a magnificent time with John as tour guide. We highly recommend enjoying this experience if your in the area!"
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"Awesome time!! I had a blast and the tour guide was super friendly and knowledgeable."
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"5 STARS! This Red Light tour is comparable to old Amsterdam! LOVED IT."
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"Most unique and fun way to spend a night out with friends. We look forward to booking your Ghost Tour next!"
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Redemption
Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your e-ticket. You must bring e-ticket(s) on your tour, as they serve as proof of purchase.
Terms & Conditions
Please read the Standard Cancel Refund Policy prior to booking your ticket
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Prices may vary and are subject to availability by season, weekend, and/or holiday.
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While we will make every effort to maintain a regular operation, we reserve the right to cancel a scheduled tour and issue a full refund to affected customers under special weather conditions (light drizzle, we still HUNT!).
Our guides work very hard to keep the oral histories of Galveston alive and entertain. If you enjoyed the tour and learned anything new about Galveston...
PLEASE REMEMBER Your Guides!
Cancellation and Refund Policy
If a reservation has to be cancelled, customers will be charged a fee depending on how far the departure date the cancellation takes place to compensate the tour guides who had already set the date aside:
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Within 3 days prior to departure - 30% of total purchase amount
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Day of departure or no-show - 100% of total purchase
Cancellation and Refund Procedure
1. You can submit your request via the Contact Us link.
2. You can submit your request with detailed explanation directly to
Galveston Ghost tours by mail
Historic Galveston Ghost Tours
4509 Ave. P
Galveston, TX 77551
Your refund request will be answered and processed promptly. If you do not receive the reply within one business day, please call the office immediately @ 832.245.0492. We will not be responsible if email, mail or texts fail to reach us.
NOTE: We cannot grant refunds more than 30 days after completion of tour.