Jackson Square, New Orleans
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The main square of the old town, in the heart of the French Quarter, is Jackson Square, originally known as Place d'Armes. In the center of the square, surrounded by trees and greenery, is an equestrian statue (1856) of General Andrew Jackson. Standing prominently on the square is the landmark St Louis Cathedral, with its white façade and cone shaped spires. Also in the surroundings are the Presbytere and Cabildo, both Louisiana State Museums. The area around the iron fence has long been a popular artist's hang out, and nearby are shops and restaurants, making it a popular tourist place.The whole area is very attractively laid along the banks of the Mississippi, with the Riverboat Docks, the promenade known as the Moon Walk, and the Millhouse as well as a variety of boutiques and fast food outlets.
Jackson Square Map
Related Attractions
St Louis Cathedral
On the north side of Jackson Square is the St Louis Cathedral (RC), a landmark structure in New Orleans. It was built in 1794 on the site of two earlier churches and is known for being the United States' oldest cathedral in continuous use. Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral in 1987.The church was built through contributions from Don Andres Almonester de Roxas, a Frenchman who spent money from his fortune to rebuild New Orleans after the second great fire. Today visitors can take a tour of the cathedral, offered by the Catholic Cultural Heritage Center. If you don't have time for a full tour stop by Jackson Square to take a walk by the building. At the entrance to the cathedral is the gift shop.
Cabildo of the Louisiana State Museum
The Cabildo, to the left of the cathedral, was built in 1795 as the residence of the Spanish governor. It is noteworthy both historic building and the collection it contains. The first town council met here in 1799 and the Louisiana Purchase was agreed here in 1803. It was also at one time the Louisiana Supreme Court .This building now houses the Louisiana State Museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A damaging fire in the late 1980s led to a major restoration project, with the facility reopening in 1994.Today the Cabildo displays the Louisiana State Museum's collections of material on the history of the town and the region. In particular the museum focuses on the people Louisiana and the many ethnic groups which make up the population today.
Presbytere
To the north-east is the Presbytere (1817), originally the presbytery, which later housed the Supreme Court of Louisiana and is now occupied by a section of the Louisiana State Museum.The Presbytere was originally called the Casa Curial (Ecclesiastical House) and was named since it was built on the site of the residence, or presbytere, of the Capuchin monks. The building now houses the Louisiana Portrait Gallery and an exhibit called "Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana."
Pontalba Buildings
The Pontalba buildings (mid-19th c.), the first apartment blocks in America, extend along two sides of Jackson Square. In the block on the eastern side, known as 1850 House, the Louisiana State Museum has a display of valuable furniture.
1850 House (Lower Pontalba)
The Lower Pontalba building was built in 1850 by the Baroness Micaela Almonester de Pontalba, the daughter of Don Andres Almonester y Roxas, the Spanish colonial landowner. The rowhouse was built in the style of Parisian architecture and has served as a residence as well as retail establishments. The 1850 House depicts middle class family life with authentic furnishings, domestic goods, decorative arts and art of the period.
Petit Theatre
At the north-west corner of the square is the Petit Theatre (1797). Adjoining is the attractive Petit salon.The Petit Theatre is one of the leading community theatres in the US.
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