Monday, July 12, 2010

Jackson Square, a little background history


Jackson Square is the location of a couple of scenes from my book. Also known as Place d'Armes, it is located in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Early New Orleans was centered around this area in the pattern of typical european cities and town squares. After the Battle of New Orleans, it was renamed Jackson Square after the hero of New Orleans, Andrew Jackson. The statue of Jackson was erected in 1856. It was placed at the parks center. St.Louis Cathedral stands behind the square while two other large buildings flank either side. The Cabildo sits on the left and the Presbytere sits on the right which is now a museum.

The park is now a gathering place of painters, artists, street artists and the like. At the forefront of the park is where one would go to catch a carriage ride through the French Quarter. This area has been the inspiration of many writers and painters as well as being in the scenes of many movies.

Learn more about this interesting place in history in my book and make plans to visit New Orleans and explore Jackson Square and the French Quarter.