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.
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