Here Are The 7 Oldest Places In New Orleans You Can Still Visit
By Jackie Ann
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Published September 12, 2019
New Orleans is an old city, that’s for sure. The Crescent City just turned 300 last year, and while it doesn’t look a day over 105, there are still plenty of places peppered around the city where you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to the 1800s. For history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone interested in the history of New Orleans, you have to check out some of the oldest places in New Orleans. In no particular order, here are some of our favorites.
1. Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
Built sometime between 1722 and 1732 this iconic building on Bourbon Street happens to be the oldest structure in the country currently being used as a bar. From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the past. Grab a drink and take in this historic building. Learn more
here.
Address: 941 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA, 70116
2. Beauregard-Keyes House
You’ll find the Beauregard-Keyes House over on Chartres Street. Built in 1826, the home is named after two of its former residents: Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard and America author Frances Parkinson Keyes.
Address: 1113 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA, 70116
3. St. Louis Cathedral
Flanked by the Cabildo and and Presbytere, St. Louis Cathedral holds the distinction of being the oldest Cathedral in North America and dates back to 1718 when the first church was built on the site. A trip to New Orleans isn’t complete without visiting this beautiful architectural attraction. Learn more
here.
Address: 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, LA, 70116
4. Old Ursuline Convent
Built in 1745, the Ursuline Convent is actually the oldest surviving structure in the Mississippi River Valley. It was occupied by Ursuline nuns until 1824 before serving as a meeting place for Louisiana Legislature. Today, it’s the Catholic Cultural Heritage Center for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Learn more
here.
Address: 1100 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA, 70116
5. Jackson Square
Right in the heart of French Quarter, Jackson Square is a historic park that was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960. It was built in 1721 and was designed after the famous 17-century Place des Vosges in Paris, France. Fun fact: the park was originally named Place d’Armes and was renamed Jackson Square following the Battle of New Orleans to honor General Andrew Jackson.
Address: 701 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA, 70116
6. Old U.S. Mint
Located on Esplanade Avenue, coins were minted here between 1838 and 1909. The beautiful Greek Revival building opened as a state museum in 1981 and today houses the Louisiana Historical Center and the New Orleans Jazz Club Collections of the Louisiana State Museum.
Address: 400 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70116
7. The Cabildo
Built under Spanish rule between 1785 and 1799, this landmark neighbors the St. Louis Cathedral and and Presbytere and has a rich history. Not only was it the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer of 1803, but it also served as the center of New Orleans government until 1853. Today, it houses many rare artifacts of the history of New Orleans and Louisiana.
Address: 701 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130
How many of these historic places have you been to? Let us know in the comments below!
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