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French Quarter, New Orleans. Photo by Nicolas Henderson.

Top 10 Facts about the French Quarter, New Orleans

Also known as Vieux Carre, French Quarter, New Orleans is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans City. It was developed in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville.  Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the square serves as the root of the history and culture of the city.

French Quarter was established as a market hub and center of trade. Every street in French Quarter has beautiful and unique sites to offer. This ranges from rich architecture to museums and statutes. The district has been designated a National Historic Landmark because of the significance of the buildings that exist in the district.

Visitors enjoy a variety of cuisine, shopping malls, live music, and the French market. There are multiple hotels in French Quarter also. Tourism keeps the economic engines of New Orleans running. French Quarter plays a huge role because of the numerous visitors who come to sightsee. Let us now look at the top 10 Facts about the French Quarter, New Orleans.

1. It was a settlement for immigrants in the 19^th century

In the late 19^th century, the French Quarter became a less desirable part of town. Many immigrants from southern Italy and Ireland settled here. From 1884 to 1924, around 290,00 Italian immigrants from Sicily arrived in New Orleans and settled in the French Quarter.

It acquired the nickname ‘Little Palermo’. In 1905, the Italian consul estimated that almost one-third of the population in the French Quarter were either Italian-born or second-generation Italian-Americans. Irish immigrants settled in the Esplanade area. It is called the Irish Channel.

2. It survived the Hurricane Katrina

The French Quarter and other parts of the city developed before the late 19^th century and were built on higher land. This is why the French Quarter remained substantially dry after Hurricane Katrina. It has an elevation of five feet above sea level.

The streets experienced minor flooding. Buildings suffered minor damage from the wind. The French Quarter also escaped the looting and violence that occurred after the storm. Many of the antique shops and art galleries in the French Quarter remained untouched.

3. It was officially reopened in 2005

A month after the storm on September 26^th, 2005, Mayor Ray Nagin officially reopened the French Quarter. This was done to allow business owners to inspect their property and clean up.

Within a few weeks, a large portion of businesses in the French Quarter had been reopened. Williams Research Center Annex was the first new construction completed in the French Quarter after Hurricane Katrina. In 2020, the Mayor of New Orleans, LaToya Cantrell proposed ending the use of automobiles in the French Quarter.

4. Jackson Square is located in the French Quarter

Jackson Square in French Quarter. Photo by Jordon Dopp.

This is a public gate park located in front of the French Quarter. The place was designed by Lous H. Pilie an architect and landscaper. It was also named after the former president and general of the Battle of New Orleans, Andrew Jackson. An equestrian statue of Jackson is erected in Jackson Square.

The statute was made by the sculptor Clark Mills. Jackson Square stands as a symbol of the Battle of New Orleans. It is a wonderful place where events like weddings can be held. Many films have also been shot at Jackson Square.

5. Inside the French quarter is the Cabildo museum

Cabildo museum in French Quarter. Photo by En.planicie. .

Initially, the Cabildo was the seat of the Spanish colonial city hall of New Orleans, Louisiana. Right now, it is the Louisiana State Museum Cabildo. It is located along Jackson Square and adjacent to St. Louis Cathedral.

It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960. While the Cabildo was extensively damaged by fire on May 11^th, 1988, it was restored and reopened to the public in 1994.

6. The square houses the St. Louis Cathedral and the Presbytere.

St Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square in New Orleans. Photo by
Cheburashka007. Wikimedia Commons.

The cathedral was designated as a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans. St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest cathedral that has been in continuous use in the United States. It is dedicated to Saint Louis who was also known as King Louis IX of France.

The Presebytere was originally built to house Roman Catholic priests and authorities. It was adapted as a courthouse in the 19^th century when the government overtook the church. In the 20^th century, the Presbytere was adapted as a museum.

7. There are many drinking establishments along Bourbon Street in French Quarter

Bourbon Street is also known as Rue Bourbon is the most well-known street in French Quarter. This is because of the many drinking establishments that exist along the street. Among the oldest bars on the street is the Old Absinthe House. This bar kept its name despite the ban of absinthe in the U.S.

It was banned from 1915 to 2007 because it was believed to have toxic qualities. There is Pat O’Brien’s Bar which is known for inventing the red hurricane cocktail. Other bars are; Laffite’s Blacksmith Shop, the Napoleon House bar, Johnny White’s bar, Spirits on Bourbon, and the Bourbon Pub and Oz among many others.

8. Numerous hotels have been set up in the French Quarter

Accommodations in the French Quarter range from large international chains of hotels to bed and breakfasts. The in-between includes time-share condos and small guest houses that have up to two rooms.

Traditional-style hotels are common in the French Quarter. Examples of such hotels are; Bourbon Orleans, Hotel Monteleone, Royal Sonesta, the Astor, and the Omni Royal Orleans. You will most definitely not lack a place of your choosing to spend the night.

9. The French Quarter has restaurants where local cuisine is served

Unique Grocery – French Quarter New Orleans. Photo by Paul Sableman.

The French Quarter has a lot to offer in terms of restaurants which range from formal to very casual. There are well-known landmark restaurants like Antoine’s and Tujague’s that have been in business since the 19^th century. One of the traditional eateries in the Gumbo Shop. Other restaurants include; Arnaud’s, Galatoire’s, and Broussard’s.

10. The French Quarter is the home to jazz music

French Quarter Street has over time been known to be the home of jazz music. This is because there are many street performers and jazz shops. The streets are full of jazz clubs that have live jazz performances. This is an attractive feature that has made the French Quarter a highly visited place. The place instantly lifts your spirits and puts you in a fabulous mood.