Monument to Eureka’s Red-Light Women

This project will create a physical monument that recognizes community members long erased from the historic record. It will honor their contributions and lasting impact on Eureka.

Background

Though prostitution was illegal by state and local statute, the city of Eureka maintained a designated red-light district until 1913. Officials used the threat of arrest to confine sex workers within its bounds, bordered by the waterfront and Fifth Street, A and E Streets. In the fall of 1903, the City of Eureka also implemented a system of fining the district’s madams. Those who complied bought implicit permission to operate. Those who refused were expected to close their brothels and leave town. Over the next eleven years, fines paid by red-light district residents contributed thousands of dollars to the city’s general fund. These monies provided critical support for city services and infrastructure. Despite their contribution, these women were marginalized by community. Officials trampled on their human and legal rights. Most residents of Eureka’s red-light district lived, and died, without ever gaining respect and a legitimate place in this community. This monument can help address this wrong by recognizing these women and their contributions.

Monument to Eureka’s Red-Light Women is a DreamMaker Project of the Ink People.