Page 58 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - New Orleans

56  NE W ORLEANS AREA B Y AREA

1 Jackson Square
Map 5 D2. v Riverfront. @ 5, 55.
Today, an attractive and lively
meeting place, this square was
named the Place d’Armes in the
early French colony, when it
was little more than a muddy
field. Here, the troops were
drilled, criminals were placed
in the stocks, and executions
were carried out. In 1850, it
was renamed for the hero
of the Battle of New Orleans
(see p19), after the Baroness Jazz band playing in Jackson Square
Pontalba paid for its
beautification and laid out The park is landscaped in a 2 St. Louis
the gardens and pathways radial pattern, with walkways Cathedral, Cabildo,
of the square as they exist stemming out from the center and Presbytère
today. Under her auspices, and there are plenty of benches
the Pelanne brothers to sit and enjoy the charm See pp58–9.
designed the hand some of the historical houses.
wrought-iron fence Outside the park, diverse
that encloses the artists rent space and 3 The 1850 House
square. At the hang their works on 523 St. Ann St. Map 5 D2. Tel 568-
center stands a the enclosing fence, 6968. @ 5, 55. Open 10am–4:30pm
statue of General and there are plenty Tue–Sun. Closed public hols. & 8
Andrew Jackson of artists waiting to
astride a rearing draw your portrait In the Lower Pontalba Build ing,
horse, which was Water vessel in the or caricature. On the this museum recreates an
sculp ted by Clark 1850 House flagstones around antebellum apartment. The
Mills for $30,000. the square, tarot three-story residence above the
The inscription, “The Union card readers, jazz musicians, ground-floor space is accessed
must and shall be preserved,” and clowns entertain visitors by a dramatic circular staircase.
on the plinth was added by throughout the week. There are The bedrooms contain all
Union General Benjamin also shops on the ground level the innovations of their day,
“Beast” Butler, when he of the Pontalba Apartments, including walk-in closets and
occupied the city during the selling gifts, clothing, candy, private bathrooms. Also
American Civil War (see p20). and ice cream. displayed are decorative arts

The Pontalba Buildings, the upriver side of Jackson Square

056-057_EW_New_Orl.indd 56 05/08/16 3:49 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.7)
Date 1st October 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm