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Andrew Jackson monument, New Orleans, USA. Photo by Diego Delso –

TOP 10 AMAZING FACTS ABOUT JACKSON SQUARE

Jackson Square is the location in which Louisiana officially became part of the American land according to the Louisiana Purchase. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1950. Jackson Square was recognized as one of America’s Great Public Places by the American Planning Association in 2012. 

Jackson Square remains a highly visited place in Louisiana.  It is a place of social, economic and political gathering. Let us now look at the top 10 amazing facts about Jackson Square.

1. It was formally known as Place d’Armes

Place d’Armes  is French for Weapons Square. Jackson Square was a site for the public execution of criminals and rebellious slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries.

It was a traditional square in town that was used to hold important ceremonies and parades.

Later on, it was named Jackson Square later on following the Battle of Orleans. Jackson Square was the general who led the troop to victory in this battle against the British invasion.

2. The equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson was sculpted by Clark Mill

The equestrian sculpture of Andrew Jackson (1852, Clark Mills) located in Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C. The sculpture is designated as a contributing property to the Lafayette Square Historic District, which was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970. Photo by AgnosticPreachersKid –

The statue was erected in 1856. Sculptor Clark Mill had never seen Andrew Jackson or an equestrian statue before. He employed his self-taught engineering and metallurgy.

He then used the skills to design the statue in which Jackson’s horse stands on its hind legs without toppling.
The inauguration of this statue drew the presence of thousands of people who came to bear witness.

3. Jackson Square was previously a military parade ground

Two L-shaped barracks had been set on either side of the square to serve as a residence for the colonial soldiers. The French inhabitants of Louisiana gathered here to reassure and strengthen each other.

Military men received drills and instructions on this ground. Jackson Square was an open space that was grassy and muddy then due to the activities taking place at the military camp.

4. Jackson Square was previously part of France

Thomas Jefferson, former United States president, purchased Louisiana from France via the Louisiana Purchase for 15 million US dollars. France was led by Napoleon Bonaparte then.

Napoleon Bonaparte sold the land because he needed the money for the Great French War. The Louisiana Purchase gave the US control over the Mississippi River and the port city of New Orleans.

5. Baroness Micaela Almonester Pantolba renovated the Place d’Armes

Ballou’s Pictorial 1858 – Jackson Square New Orleans. Photo by Staff of Ballou’s Pictorial; illustration by Mr Killburn – Wikimedia Commons

Despite the purchase of Jackson Square by the United States, the grounds remained neglected and undeveloped for a while. The city council rejected ideas to improve and renovate Jackson Square.

They took less costly ideas from Pilie which was however not realized. As the Baroness visited the city to check her real estate holdings, she decided to carter for the landscaping and renovation of Jackson Square. She designed and constructed two Â鶹APPian-Style row house buildings on either side of the square. The renovations cost over 300,000 US dollars.

6. Jackson Square is named after Andrew Jackson

Portrait of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States. Photo by Ralph Eleaser Whiteside Earl –

Andrew Jackson was the 7th president of the United States of America, a lawyer, a statesman, and the first democrat. He became a general in 1812.

Andrew Jackson emerged a war hero during the war of 1812 after defeating the Creek Indians who were allied with the British in the Battle of New Orleans. The battle took place at the Plains of Chalmette a few miles from New Orleans.

7. It was among the first places where all men were allowed to fight without discrimination

All men regardless of race and nationality were accepted as defenders of a shared country during the Battle of Orleans. This was a major step considering the racial segregation that was common in the United States during this period.

8. It borders various places that are rich in history

Place des Armes, 1815. Photo by William Rollinson –

Jackson Square borders the Washington Artillery Park and the banks of the Mississippi River. It is also surrounded by various historic buildings including the Presbytere, Cabildo, St. Louis Cathedral, and the Pontalba apartments.

St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in North America founded as a catholic parish in 1720. Presebytere and Cabildo remain the nation’s best examples of colonial Spanish architecture. It was established as a National Historic Landmark in 1970.

9. It was a gathering place for artists and performers

Jackson Square, Chartres Street side, French Quarter, New Orleans. Photo by Infrogmation of New Orleans –

Jackson Square hosted painters of various techniques and musicians in the 1920s to the 1980s. The painters included art students, professional and amateur painters, and caricaturists.

The 1960s and 1970s brought forth various businesses in the square. This included palm and tarot card reading and fortune-telling. To date, Charles Street enjoys the presence of visitors, artists, musicians, jugglers, and magicians. Performers work for tips.

10. It has been filmed in several television shows and films

They were filming something at Jackson Square in the French Quarter as I passed by. NCIS New Orleans. Photo by Infrogmation of New Orleans –

Jackson Square has featured in many films and television shows over time. This is because of how scenic the environment is.

Some of these films and shows include Angel Heart, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and The Originals. The square has also hosted numerous live music events.

This includes Taylor Swifts’ performance to kickstart the 2010 NFL season for the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints. The park is also available for bookings to host wedding receptions.