Find-A-Grave: Kate Townsend

Kate Townsend

Resting Place: Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans

Born: 1839

Died: November 3, 1883 (aged 43-44)

Kate Townsend was a prominent and enigmatic madam who operated one of the most renowned brothels in New Orleans during the 19th century. She rose to prominence in the city's infamous red-light district, Storyville, known for its vibrant and permissive culture. Born in England in the mid-1800s, Townsend emigrated to America, where she built her fortune and reputation in the thriving underground economy of vice and pleasure.

Her establishment was celebrated for its opulence, offering fine cuisine, expensive wines, and lavishly decorated rooms that catered to New Orleans' wealthy elite and visiting dignitaries. Known for her beauty and commanding presence, Townsend was a shrewd businesswoman who maintained strict control over her employees and clientele, ensuring her establishment upheld its reputation as one of the most exclusive and luxurious in Storyville.

Despite her success, Townsend's life was not without tragedy and controversy. She was known for her fiery temper and dramatic relationships, which sometimes ended in violence. In 1883, Townsend met a tragic and untimely death, reportedly murdered by her lover during a quarrel. Her demise shocked the community and underscored the often-dangerous intersections of love, power, and business in the volatile world of 19th-century New Orleans.

On November 3, 1883, Kate's death came at the hands of her longtime lover and business associate, Trevanion "Trevan" Barlow, who stabbed her multiple times in a violent altercation. Townsend's murder shocked the public, drawing attention to the tumultuous and often dangerous lives of individuals in the city's underworld. Barlow's trial ended controversially, as he was acquitted of the crime, claiming self-defense. The case remains a notable example of the era's sensationalized criminal proceedings and the harsh realities of life in Storyville.

Kate Townsend's legacy endures as a symbol of the resilience and complexity of women in the face of societal constraints, and her life story remains a fascinating chapter in the history of New Orleans' colorful past.

Watch the YouTube Video that tells the story of Kate Townsend's murder and gives a tour of the cemetery where she is believed to be buried.

The Violent Brothel of New Orleans by FacesoftheForgotten on YouTube.