Pirate Alley

Pirate Alley is a small block located in the French Quarter between Chartres Street and to Royal Street. The street of the same name, Pirate Alley, runs between the two. Jackson Square is at the entrance at Chartres Street and the alley is sandwiched between St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo. It is one of the most visited spots in New Orleans. Many people like to get their photograph at the famous lamppost that marks the entrance. It was originally called Orleans Alley or Orleans Alley South. The name was officially changed to what it had been commonly called by locals to Pirate Alley in 1964.

Pirate Alley has been the meeting place of politicians, smugglers, pirates, theives, poets, writers, businessmen, lovers, etc. It has been painted, photographed, and drawn many times over. Jean Lafitte was jailed here...and escaped. Others were jailed here as well as this was the location of a Spanish prison. The street is narrow, as was common during the time and cobblestoned. There is an air of mystery and intrigue to the place due to its history and the usual feel of what the French Quarter has captured, collected, and made its own through the ages.

The Faulkner House is located here. William Faulkner wrote his first novel there. The house has been restored and is now the location of the Faulkner Society. The first floor is the location of Faulkner House Books.

This is a great area to visit and explore.

The picture was borrowed from the website: atneworleans.com