Kate Townsend

Kate Townsend
Born
Katherine Cunningham

c. 1839
Liverpool, England
DiedNovember 3, 1883(1883-11-03) (aged 43–44)
Burial placeMetairie Cemetery, New Orleans, Louisiana, US
29°59′9″N 90°7′4″W / 29.98583°N 90.11778°W / 29.98583; -90.11778
Occupation(s)Prostitute, brothel-keeper
Years active1857-1883

Kate Townsend (c. 1839 - November 1, 1883) was a brothel madam during the late nineteenth century in the district of New Orleans that was later to become Storyville. This district became possibly the best known area for prostitution in the nation.[1] Her luxurious brothel on Basin Street was the first of a number of upmarket brothels that the street became famed for.[2]

  1. ^ Rose 1974, preface.
  2. ^ deClouet 1999, pp. 20–21.