Galveston’s notorious “Red Line” will be program for historians

Known today as a colorful resort destination featuring family entertainment and a thriving arts district, Galveston was once notorious for its flourishing vice economy and infamous red-light district. Called simply “The Red Line,” the unassuming five blocks of Post Office Street came alive every night with wild parties and generous offerings of hourly love. A stubborn mainstay of the island cityscape for nearly 70 years, it was finally shut down in the late 1950s. But ridding Galveston of prostitution would prove much more difficult than putting a padlock on the front door. Author Kimber Fountain pursues the sequestered story of women who wanted to make their own rules and the city that wanted to let them.

Kimber Fountain is a native of the Texas Gulf Coast and longtime resident of Galveston Island. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Dance from the University of Texas at Austin, Kimber lived in Chicago for several years before returning to Texas and making her home in Galveston, where she discovered a love for the city’s rich history. Her professional literary career began as a writer for “The Island Guide,” after which she went on to serve as the editor-in-chief and feature writer of “Galveston Monthly” for 4 years. Kimber has authored two books on Galveston history, “The Galveston Seawall Chronicles” (The History Press, 2017) and “Galveston’s Red Light District: A History of the Line” (The History Press, 2018).

She is currently working on her third book, an authorized biography of Galveston’s Maceo family, slated for release in late 2019. Kimber recently launched the Red Light District Tours of Galveston, a walking tour inspired by her book. She also serves as chair of the Arts and Historic Preservation Advisory Board to Galveston’s City Council and is occasionally seen on stage at the Island East-End Theatre Company.

Ms. Fountain is part of the Liberty County Historical Commission’s “Speaker’s Series” designed to bring top-notch guest speakers in history to Liberty County during our quarterly meetings. The public is invited and encouraged to attend our meeting and enjoy Kimber Fountain’s program and book signing on Monday, July 15, 6 p.m. in the A. J. “Jack” Hartel Building, 318 San Jacinto Street in Liberty. For additional information please email LCHC County Chair Linda Jamison at lchc318@gmail.com or call/text 936-334-5813.