The Oldest Building In The Mississippi River Valley Is Right Here In Louisiana
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana has its fair share of historical buildings. If you’re a history buff, or maybe just looking to learn a little about the history of the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley, then head on down to New Orleans to tour the Old Ursuline Convent.
It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
It was decided that Ursuline nuns would come and minister at the hospital as well as teach the young girls of the colony.
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They lived in a different building until plans for the current building were drafted in 1734.
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It’s also the oldest surviving example of the French Colonial period in the country.
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The second floor contained rooms for the nuns, a library, another infirmary, and storage rooms.
As the story goes, the Convent was spared because Sr. Felicite placed a small "sweetheart" statue in the window, which redirected the course of the fire.
From 1824 until 1899, it was the residence of the Bishops and Archbishops of New Orleans. During that time, St. Mary’s Church was built at the bishop’s chapel (1845).
The museum is open for self-guided tours Monday-Friday: 10am-4pm and Saturday 9am-3pm.
Their address is 1100 Chartres St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116.
Have you ever taken a tour of the Old Ursuline Convent? Let us know!
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