10 Cool Places In Jacksonville That Don't Exist Anymore

5. The Line


The New York Inn, Turkish Harem and 836 Houston Street brothels, just west of Davis Street. Image courtesy of the Florida State Archives.

This red light district was located on what is now modern day Houston Street. The origins of “The Line” date back to the late 19th century, when prostitutes were forced over the city’s line, into the City of LaVilla, as a way to make Jacksonville more attractive. “The Line” consisted of over 60 boarding houses for the women, allowing “buyers” to literally walk door to door looking for the “right price.”

"The Line" finally died during the mid 20th century when the Navy became concerned about too many personnel frequenting the area.


Owned by Cora Crane, The Court was the largest brothel along The Line.


Read More:

Ghost of Jacksonville: Davis Street (page 2)