ABQ Trolley Co. | Wicked Albuquerque
Dark Tales from the Duke City
Step into Hell’s Half Acre—where Albuquerque’s past was wilder than the Wild West itself.
Before Albuquerque became the city you know today, it was a raw, untamed frontier; a place where lawlessness rivaled Dodge City and Tombstone. This wasn’t just another dusty town on the map. This was where outlaws, madams, and marshals carved their legends into the streets with blood and bullets.
Now you can walk those very streets.
Led by Cody Polston, author of Wicked Albuquerque, feel the desert wind at your back as you explore the darker side of history. Polston spent years combing through archives, court records, and long-forgotten newspapers to unearth the truth behind the myths. The result? A chilling portrait of a city built not just on hope and ambition—but on vice, violence, and vengeance.
YOUR GUIDE TO THE DARK SIDE
Cody Polston will personally guide you through the shadows, bringing to life the gritty stories of the people who lived, loved, fought, and died in Hell’s Half Acre.
“The only way to truly understand a place is to know its darkest secrets.”
Are you ready to find out what Albuquerque tried to forget?
Featuring:
- Lizzie McGrath – The ruthless brothel owner who had an entire church demolished just to build her new bordello on the prime real estate
- Milton Yarberry – Albuquerque's very first town marshal who ended up swinging from the gallows for murder.
- Elfego Baca – The legendary lawman who survived a 36-hour gunfight without a scratch and had the audacity to face down Pancho Villa himself.
- Hell's Half Acre – The notorious red-light district that made even hardened cowboys think twice.
About Cody Polston:
Cody Polston is the author of multiple books on paranormal topics, history and the creator of the dark fantasy/steampunk book series, the Aetherstorm Chronicles. He was the host and producer of the popular podcast “Ecto Radio” as well as the writer for GHOSTHUNTER X Magazine. He is one of the Founders and former President of the Southwest Ghost Hunter’s Association and has been investigating paranormal claims since 1985.
In the 1990's several other ghost hunting groups gave him the moniker the "Hitman" due to his involvement in "debunking" several well known haunted locations in Texas. Although the nickname was intended to be a negative insult, Cody adopted the nickname and began using in on his podcasts and other media venues. Cody has appeared on numerous radio and television programs including Dead Famous (Biography Channel), Weird Travels (Travel Channel) and “In her Mother’s Footsteps” (Lifetime Channel excusive), Extreme Paranormal and “The Ghost Prophecies” (both A&E network).
Fast Facts:
- Led by author and amateur historian, Cody Polston.
- This tour is rated 'R' for adult subject matter.
- Departs from the historic Painted Lady Bed & Brew (1100 Bellamah Ave NW 87104).
- Buy tickets online, via phone at 505-200-2642 or in-person at the TourABQ Box Office inside Old Town Emporium (204 San Felipe St NW 87104).
- Tour lasts approximately 120-minutes.
- For frequently asked questions, click here.
- There is a minimum attendance requirement of 6 guests per tour. Tours that do not meet our minimum attendance requirements are subject to cancellation or rescheduling.
