The Garden District: From Plantation To Posh Neighborhood
Sugar And A Port
The Garden District is one of New Orleans’ most famous neighborhoods. It is known for its beautiful mansions, oak tree-lined streets, and lush gardens. But what many people don’t know is that the Garden District has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century.
The Garden District was originally part of a sugar plantation owned by Jacques Francois de Livaudais. In the early 1800s, Livaudais subdivided the plantation and sold the land to wealthy Americans who wanted to live in a more spacious and elegant setting than the French Quarter.
The Americans also did not want to be near either their business nor the French so they went upriver to set up their new city. The new residents of the Garden District were mostly merchants, lawyers, and politicians. Their wealth meant that they would build large mansions in the Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian architectural styles.
The Garden District quickly became one of the most desirable neighborhoods in New Orleans. It was a place where the city’s elite could live in luxury and enjoy a high quality of life. The neighborhood was also home to a number of notable artists, writers, and musicians.
The Architectural Styles You Will See In The Garden District
Greek Revival
The Greek Revival movement was beginning to become popular when the Garden District began to be developed. You can identify Greek Revival homes with the straight lines of the Greek Key and rooflines that mimic Athenian temples.
You will see Greek Revival on many different types of buildings from humble shotgun houses to towering mansions. The American cottage is one of the most popular types of homes that boasts the Greek Revival style.
Italianate Style
Coming in hot on the heels of the Greek Revival style was the Italianate style. Where the Greeks preferred straight lines, the Italians and Romans wanted arches. Italianate style is also known for the gentle slopping rooves and large overhangs. The Corinthian column is the most seen type of column in this style.
Victorian Townhouses
The peacocks of this uptown neighborhood. This beautiful type of architecture is punctuated by intricate Eastlake trim, lacy ironwork verandas, and embracing color after almost 80 years of stark white.
Many Victorian townhouses sport colorful exteriors, ranging from pink, yellow, blue, to even purple.
What Else You Will See In The Garden District
St. Charles Ave
This famous street is home to mansions, the St Charles streetcar, and multiple Mardi Gras parades.
Lafayette #1
This beautiful city-owned cemetery is an incredible mix of types of tombs and is the site of filming for multiple movies and tv shows.
Magazine St
After your tour hit Magazine Street for lunch, boutique shops, and gorgeous homes.
The Garden District is a unique and fascinating neighborhood with a rich history. It is a place where beauty, history, and culture combine to create a truly special place. If you are ever in New Orleans, be sure to visit the Garden District and experience its unique charm for yourself.
Want to explore the Garden District? Then you will want to be a part of our small group tours. Your tour will be with no more than 8 individuals in total. This will allow you to hear and enjoy the tour as well as to be able to interact and ask questions of your guide.
Written by Historian Jane
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