|
|
|
|
Combat Zone Review
Read our Boston sights reviews. Or post your own.
Combat Zone
- Address: Roughly Washington St., from Boylston St. to a few blocks north, Boston, MA | Map It
- Category: Neighborhoods/Streets
- Location: Downtown
Fodor's Review:
The borders of Chinatown continue to expand, encroaching steadily on the seedy Combat Zone, which has the dubious distinction of being one of the nation's first official red-light districts. It got its name more than 50 years ago when Boston-stationed troops would show up at the local tailor shops for uniform alterations and inevitably tussle with members of other branches of the military here for the same purpose. When the honky-tonk businesses were forced out of what was then Scollay Square to make way for Government Center, they moved into this run-down area. Seeking to contain the spread of vice, city officials created the Lower Washington Street Adult Entertainment District, as Puritan ghosts shuddered. Today the Combat Zone is a shadow of its sleazy self, and the Millennium Place commercial complex on Washington Street has sealed its coffin with Boston's second Ritz-Carlton, a 19-screen Loews theater, a huge spa-fitness center, and luxury condominiums.
Get Advice From Other Travelers
- Boston for Three Days in Mid October
18 responses; most recent on 10/09/2008, 07:11 am - Christmas in Boston/
19 responses; most recent on 10/04/2008, 04:22 pm - boston
48 responses; most recent on 10/01/2008, 02:27 pm - Boston help needed
20 responses; most recent on 09/28/2008, 09:52 pm
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip >>
Buy the Guidebook
-
$21.95
-
$16.95
Get the Fodor's Newsletter
Read the current issue
For more travel ideas, tips, and deals, sign up for the Fodor's newsletter here. Browse previous issues.
