Dirty NYC: Sewage, Sickness, and Sex in the Five Points

Janes Walk

SOLD OUT, WAITLIST FULL

Led By Suzanne Reisman, Founder, Off the Beaten Subway Track Walking Tours

This will be a walking tour of the former Five Points neighborhood with a focus on its public health issues. We will talk about problems with sewage, the prevalence of prostitution, and illness in the community. We’ll visit the former sites of Paradise Park (now Columbus Park), the Old Brewery, Mulberry Bend, Bandits’ Roost, House of Industry, Children’s Aid Society, and notorious tenement blocks and brothels. Attendees should wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and not be squeamish!

Accessibility

I am still working on the route, but I anticipate that it will be through crowded streets. I anticipate using sidewalks with curb cuts so that it is wheelchair accessible. The distance will be between 1 and 1.5 miles. There will be no to very limited opportunities to sit along the route. The start and end will be near subways and buses.

Location Information

RSVP is required and capacity is limited. Meeting location, ending location, and directions will be provided via email before walk date.

guided

Friday, May 1, 2026
11:00 AM
2 hours

Borough: Manhattan
Theme: Environment, History & Culture
Language: English
Mulberry Bend circa 1890. Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Jacob A. Riis. Modifications: photo cropped.