The French Quarter

The French Quarter

I am not sure about you but when I think of New Orleans one of the first things that come to my mind is the French Quarter. Established in 1718 it holds so much history and beauty. In the French quarter you will not only find things like the famous French market but you will also see a lot of shops, century-old restaurants, and bars. You will also see many modern things like shopping boutiques and fun cafes and restaurants. The French Quarter is also home to many of the most iconic buildings in New Orleans. Many of the tours we will be going on will happen in this neighborhood and will be within walking distance from our hotel. It is home to Bourbon street, which is a huge tourist destination, Jackson square, and the famous steamboat cruises. The French quarter also has a lot of bohemian charm to it as well as a romantic feel. There will be music and art everywhere you look and the environment can also have a mysterious vibe to it as well. Personally, I am most excited to see and take in firsthand this amazing neighborhood.

The French market

The French market is an open-air market that hosts a verity of different things such as, food and drinks, music, art, and lots of shopping. There is so much to see and do here. It also has a lot of historical significance to it. Since it sits along the Mississippi River it was the ideal spot to have a trading post for the Native Americans to use in 1791. It has since evolved into more of a market and become more modernized. It is one of New Orleans melting pots of many different cultures and offers many goods from all around the world. It will feel like a flea market mixed with a farmers market and offer everything from crafts to music and performances taking place on Dutch Alley.

The French Quarter is also home to Café du Monde

Café du Monde is famous for their coffee with chicory in it and beignets covered in powdered sugar and we are going to have many chances to go here.

Jackson Square
Jackson Square is centered in the heart of the French quarter it is located on Decatur street next to the open air French market. It is free to the public and sits on 2.5 acres of beautiful and well kept land. It is home to a large statue of Andrew Jackson who sits the the middle of Jackson Square atop his horse. According to Wegmann, “On January 13, 1840, Andrew Jackson returned to lay the cornerstone for a “Battle Monument” in the Place d’Armes, commemorating the American victory over the British 25 years earlier at the Battle of New Orleans. Jackson died in 1845, and in 1851 the Place d’Armes was renamed Jackson Square in his honor.” There is a large fountain and many beautiful flowers and trees in the square as well.

The Presbytere

The Presbytere which we will be touring as well has a very interesting history. This museum once served as a Priest house from 1834 to 1911. Before that it was used as a commercial building in the 1800's. After surviving a hurricane in 1913 and having the cupola destroyed it was rebuilt in 2006 to look exactly like the original. Today it now houses a collection of Mardi Gras artifacts and their history. We will be seeing floats, artifices, costumes, and learning about the history of this unique festival. There will also be many interactive exhibits and experiences for use to take part in that give the history of Hurricane Katrina. There will also be a gift shop that holds many interesting and exciting things to buy. The Presbytere sits on the left side of the St. louis cathedral.

The Cabildo

Also known as the courthouse is also situated on Jackson Square and sits on the right side of the St. Louis Cathedral. It was where the Louisiana purchase took place and was signed. It is now home to so much history and priceless artifacts. The Cabildos main floor shares some history through architecture, music, art, and culture of New Orleans. The Cabilido was built in under spanish rule in 1795.

There are two important religious sites in the French Quarter,the St. Louis Cathedral and the Old Ursuline Convent.










Some fun things to do while you are in the French Quarter could include:



Check out Pat O’Brien’s where you can get a hurricane which is one of the most famous drinks that originated in New Orleans. They also have a piano bar so you can listen to so great music while you eat or have a drink.
90.0652973https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pat+O'Brien's/@29.9557096,-90.0740949,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x9e373c1d49ab690d!8m2!3d29.9582008!4d-90.0652973



Voodoo Museum
/https://voodoomuseum.com/



New Orleans Jazz Museum
https://nolajazzmuseum.org/









Cites

Wegmann, Mary Ann. "Jackson Square During The Battle Of New Orleans - Stop 2 Of 10 In The Battle Of New Orleans Tour | New Orleans Historical". New Orleans Historical, 2020, https://neworleanshistorical.org/items/show/623?tour=56&index=1. Accessed 9 Jan 2020.








Hailey Holmes