Contact Us By Email. Standing around in the decorated room were the most powerful men in New Orleans high society — politicians, judges, lawyers, doctors, even a police commander or two.
And she knew the money would be flowing into her coffers once again. Most club owners would be ecstatic at such a large crowd, but not Josie Arlington. She was orphaned at age 4, and the only parents she knew were the nuns at St. But their attempts to scare the fear of God in her over the years eventually drove her away — and straight onto the mean streets of New Orleans.
Now as crazy as New Orleans is these days, back in the 19th century it was downright brutal. Red light districts all over town, and while the trade was not officially accepted, it was always tolerated. Josie knew where the real money was to be made, and became a teenage prostitute under the control of an older lover. Call us at or email us for tour details or to book your very own private tour in the French Quarter.
This is also a great way to learn insider secrets of the French Quarter from our resident guides. Life as a prostitute destroyed many women in New Orleans, but not Josie Arlington. As the years went by, she gained quite a reputation as a tough, no-nonsense woman of the night. She even got into a legendary fistfight with a rival prostitute, biting off part of her lips and ears!
She would have to become a Madam. So Josie opened a bordello in one of the largest red light districts in New Orleans. The district was located along the Basin Street rail line, just a few blocks from the French Quarter. While her brothel became quite successful, the city of New Orleans was about to make her richer that she could have imagined.
