Tales of the New Orleans Garden District

One of many mansions in the New Orleans Garden District. Laid out in 1832, the Garden District is one of the country’s first luxury suburbs. It became the home of the Americans who moved to New Orleans after the Louisiana Purchase and wished to establish themselves away from the French and Spanish-speaking population in the French Quarter. These new New Orleanians largely made their fortunes on the backs of the sugar, cotton and shipping industries.
By Elisa.rolle (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
One of many mansions in the New Orleans Garden District. Laid out in 1832, the Garden District is one of the country’s first luxury suburbs. It became the home of the Americans who moved to New Orleans after the Louisiana Purchase and wished to establish themselves away from the French and Spanish-speaking population in the French Quarter. These new New Orleanians largely made their fortunes on the backs of the sugar, cotton and shipping industries.
Photo by: Elisa.rolle  [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Introduction – New Orleans Garden District

Ever toured the New Orleans Garden District?  In this episode Mark sits down with Christine Miller, the Head Chick in Charge over at Two Chicks Walking Tours.  Through her lens as a storyteller, Christine takes us on a unique tour of the Garden District.  Along the way, we explore the impact of slavery, the sugar cane and shipping industries and more.

Christine and Mark discuss the origins of the Garden District and take time to notice the details, both small and large.  Ever wonder why the styles of the mansions in the Garden District are so varied?  What are those blocks in front of some of the homes?  Hey, is that a sugar kettle?

The two also discuss the fascinating history of Lafayette Cemetery #1 and explore it through the lives of its occupants.

When you’ve worked up an appetite head on over to Commander’s Palace or one of their recommendations on Magazine St. for a bite to eat.

All this and more on episode #17 of Beyond Bourbon Street!

 

Resources:

How Sugar Changed the World – by Marc Aronson & Marina Budhos

Nine Lives: Mystery, Magic,Death, and Life in New Orleans – by Dan Baum

The Secret of the Other Mother – by Laura Cayouette – a novel set in New Orleans that just might include Christine!

To get in touch with Christine, head on over to her website at Two Chicks Walking Tours. Tell her you heard her interview on the Beyond Bourbon St podcast.

 

Find us!

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the Beyond Bourbon Street podcast on iTunes or on Stitcher.  New episodes are available every other Wednesday.

I would love to hear from you.  If you have an idea for an episode topic or just want to drop me a line, my email address is: mark@beyondbourbonst.com

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Thanks for listening!

Mark

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