Red Light Lizzie

In today's world, Red Light Lizzie has taken a leading role in society, generating a significant impact in different areas of daily life. Since its emergence, Red Light Lizzie has generated endless debates, criticisms, and reflections, becoming a topic of interest for different sectors and disciplines. Its influence has transcended borders and has become a fundamental part in decision-making, in the construction of identity, in the development of technology, and in the creation of new forms of communication. In this article, we will explore the many facets of Red Light Lizzie and its relevance in contemporary society.

Red Light Lizzie
NationalityAmerican
Other namesNew York madam and procurer who dominated prostitution in the city during the 1860s and 70s; rival of Jane the Grabber.
Occupation(s)Madam and procuress

Red Light Lizzie (fl. 1860 –1875) was the pseudonym of an American madam, procuress and underworld figure in New York City during the mid-to late 19th century.

During the 1860s and 1870s, she controlled much of New York City's prostitution, along with Jane the Grabber. Like her rival, Lizzie employed a number of men and women to travel to rural communities in Upstate New York and New England to lure young girls to the city with promises of well-paying jobs. Some men were paid by Lizzie to bring girls into dive bars and, similar to Shanghaiing, would be given drugged alcohol. The victims would then be forced into prostitution, either by working in her brothels, or being "sold" to similar establishments. Both she and Jane the Grabber specialized in procuring women from wealthy families.

She owned at least twelve "houses of ill-repute" and was so successful as a procurer that she sent a monthly circular letter to all of her clients.

References

  1. ^ a b Asbury, Herbert. The Gangs of New York: An Informal History of the New York Underworld. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1928. (pg. 185) ISBN 1-56025-275-8
  2. ^ Bailey, William G, ed. "Prostitution". The Encyclopedia of Police Science. 2nd ed. New York: Garland Publishing, 1995. (pg. 667) ISBN 0-8153-1331-4
  3. ^ Sante, Lucy. Low Life: Lures and Snares of Old New York. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2003. (pg. 186) ISBN 0-374-52899-3

Further reading

  • Fido, Martin. The Chronicle of Crime: The Infamous Villains of Modern History and Their Hideous Crimes. London: Carlton, 2000. ISBN 1-84222-131-0
  • Petronius. New York Unexpurgated: An Amoral Guide for the Jaded, Tired, Evil, Non-conforming, Corrupt, Condemned, and the Curious, Humans and Otherwise, to Under Underground Manhattan. New York: Matrix House, 1966.