St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter of New Orleans
One of the treasured jewels of New Orleans sits just outside of Jackson Square, in the heart of Old City and it’s likely one of the most photographed landmarks in all of New Orleans. Saint Louis Cathedral located on Chartres Street on Jackson Square is the oldest continuously active cathedral in operation in the United States. It derives its name from the 13th Century French King who led two crusades.
St. Louis Cathedral History
The present cathedral is actually the third on the present site of the church. The first two were destroyed and rebuilt. This first building was destroyed by a hurricane in 1722 while the second building burned in a fire in 1788.
The current cathedral was started in 1789 and completed in 1794 and then enlarged in 1851 with the central tower being added. That tower was designed by Henry S. Boneval Latrobe, the first professional architect in America.
The Heart of City Life
Jackson Square in Front of St. Louis Cathedral
From the beginnings of New Orleans the general area of what is now known as Jackson Square was the center of New Orleans life. It’s closeness to the Mississippi River Port, the church and the government buildings made it the hub of local shipping and commerce.
Jackson Square area functioned as a hub of city of life throughout the rule of the French, the Spanish, then again the French and even after the American rule took over after the Louisiana purchase.
How It Became Jackson Square
After the Battle of New Orleans in 1814, the Baroness Pantalba financed the redesign of the area and lobbied for a more beautiful public square. The square was named in honor of Andrew Jackson, the hero of the battle of New Orleans for which one of three statues are in honor of. The square itself is surrounded by a beautiful iron gate. On the inside you’ll find many beautiful flowers and plants with pathways and benches all for observers to enjoy the splendor of the square.
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Satchmo Summerfest
For ten years running New Orleans celebrates one of it’s own in style! Every year to coincide with the greatest of jazz icons, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong’s birthday (August 4th) one of the best summer festivals around is held on the grounds of the Old U.S. Mint at the very edge of New Orleans famous French Quarter and not to far from the famous French Market. This year’s festival officially runs from Thursday August 5th through Sunday August 8th, however some events to tend to start a day or two before.
Last year’s events kicked off on Wednesday with the Satchmo Art Festival that was a real crowd pleaser of an event, lots of great art celebrating the Louis Armstrong & other jazz icons were available to delight the crowds. Attendees also gathered in Armstrong Park to celebrate at the Satchmo Birthday Party.
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As hot and as humid as N’awlins can be in August the same can be said for the fun at the festivals, which in August there’s no shortage of! From Jazz celebrations to food festivals there’s something just about every weekend of the month to suit just about any traveler.
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Community Fair & Blessing of the Fleet
July 30-31 and Aug. 1, 2010, Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion in Jefferson Parish.
Blessing of vessels and community fair! Entertainment, food, games and more. FREE event. (985)787-2997
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Satchmo SummerFest
August 5-8, 2010, Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave.
Come and celebrates the New Orleans legend, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, with outdoor concerts, seminars, children’s activities, a club crawl and second-line parade. at the Old U.S. Mint. Over 26,000 visitors are expected for this year’s 10th anniversary celebration. [click to read more…]
Who Dat?!
Well this is Fun in New Orleans a site all about the fun one can have when they visit the crescent city, the true city that never sleeps, New Orleans, Louisiana. From the French Quarter to beautiful Garden District there’s a lot to see and a lot to experience that can please all of your senses.
We’ll talk about food, parties, celebrations, festivals, bars, restaurants, art and music …everything that make New Orleans, New Orleans!
Over the next few days we’ll be adding more content so keep on coming back to see what we’ve got!
