Andrew Jackson

When New Orleans was founded, it was nothing more than a French trading camp. After a few years, the camp was organized into a formal colony, and was subdivided into "city blocks", with streets that ran perpendicular and parallel to the Mississippi River. In the center of this layout, right on the river was a one-block common area, the Place D'Arms, used as a public square, military parade grounds and open-air market. On the northwest side (Chartres Street), was located the church (now Saint Louis Cathedral) and the governor's mansion (the Cabildo).

Because of its central location, proximity to the river port, the location of the church and seat of government, this square was the center of New Orleans life, and the hub of local shipping and commerce. This square continued to function in this capacity through the rule of the French, the Spanish, the French again, and American rule after the Louisiana Purchase.

Chartres St. in 1972

Following the Battle of New Orleans in 1814, the Baroness Pontalba (builder of the Pontalba apartments which bear her name, and remain in use today), lobbied for and financed the redesign of the public square. The new design incorporated an iron fence, formal gardens, walkways and benches for sitting. In the center of the square is one of the three bronze statues of Andrew Jackson, hero of New Orleans. The square now bears the name "Jackson Square."

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, and now into the 21st century, the area surrounding Jackson Square contains a mix of commercial and residential property. The Cabildo, the Presbytere (on the opposite side of the Cathedral), and one of the apartment townhouses of the Lower Pontalba Apartments are now state museums. The lower floors of the apartment buildings are shops and restaurants, while the second and third floors are residential apartments.

Jackson Square in 1953

For well over half a century, there has been an open-air artist colony at Jackson Square, with artists painting and displaying their work on the outside of the iron fence. Under the shade of the oak trees, one can sit and have a pastel portrait done in about one hour, and you will be hard pressed to find better portrait artists working outside anywhere else in the world.

Until 1971, the streets that surround Jackson Square were just that - streets, with parallel parking on all sides, except for on Chartres St, where there was angled parking. In 1971, the streets of Chartres, St. Peter and St. Ann ere closed off, to serve as a pedestrian mall. By 1974, the construction of the mall was complete, with slate flagstone covering the mall from the buildings to the fence. Today visitors and local residents alike enjoy walking and sitting in the mall, to watch the artists, or just enjoy good weather with a drink or some ice cream.

Adjacent to Jackson Square, on the Mississippi River is the Jax Brewery Shopping Mall, Washington Artillery Park river overlook, and the French Market complex. Jackson Square has been the site of numerous movies, live television network broadcasts, the New Year's Eve celebration, and the number one destination for visitors to New Orleans.