Jackson Square

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Citysearch

The Background
The center of New Orleans' first neighborhood, Jackson Square used to be a military parade ground, community meeting place and execution area. It underwent major changes in the mid-1800s after Baroness Pontalba had her famous apartments erected, and the square was renamed for Jackson, hero of the Battle of New Orleans and the seventh U.S. president. You may also hear Jackson Square referred to by its foreign names: Place d'Armes (French) and Plaza de Armas (Spanish).

The Appeal
The quintessential New Orleans postcard, Jackson Square is anchored by St. Louis Cathedral and a park housing a statue of the square's namesake, Andrew Jackson. The Cabildo and Presbytere flank the cathedral, and artists, mystics and entertainers ply their trades along the flagstone streets outside the Pontalba Apartments and the stores below.