A Look at the Rise and Fall of the Notorious Boston Combat Zone

Sex, Sleaze, and “Cold Tea”

Depiction of the Boston Combat Zone (Image generated via Midjourney)

Today, Boston Massachusetts is one of the wealthiest and most progressive cities in the United States. Known worldwide for its elite universities and institutions, medical industries, and as a destination for high skilled workers and high-paying job opportunities.

This was not always the case. During the 1960s and 1970s, Boston was suffering from many of the problems that plagued other large cities and urban centers during this time. Problems from urban decay to high levels of crime and violence caused many people who had the means to pick up and leave. Further putting a strain on the city as the tax base began to shrink.

It was during the 1960s that the Boston Redevelopment Authority demolished the city’s former red-light district which had been located at Scollay Square. In turn, many of the strip clubs, porno theaters, peep shows, and street prostitutes relocated to an area adjacent to Chinatown along Washington Street between Boylston and Kneeland Streets.

This area seemed like a logical fit for an adult entertainment and red-light district for several reasons. The first being that they would not be moving far (less than half a mile from Scollay Square) and the rents were cheap compared to other parts of Boston.

Additionally, since part of Washington Street had already been designated by the city as an entertainment and nightlife district, much of the infrastructure was already in place, such as old and unused theaters and burlesque houses that could easily be repurposed for adult entertainment.

One of the many businesses in Boston’s “Combat Zone” Photo from bostonmagazine.com

Vice City

The origins of the name “Combat Zone” seems to be twofold. The first is due to the area’s reputation for crime. The second was the frequent presence of uniformed servicemen on leave from the Charlestown Navy Yard. These uniformed military personnel frequenting the zone’s establishments gave the area the appearance of an occupied territory.

The biggest victory for the area occurred in 1974. That year, the Massachusetts…