Louisiana Arsenal March 10, 2008

Back my popular demand, the newest installment in French Quarter architecture articles was published today. The Arsenal is one of my favorite buildings in the French Quarter because of it’s bold Greek revival features, military insignia, and unique military history. I enjoy obscure military flags and crests so the Louisiana Legion markings are especially interesting. They were the first inhabitants of the building and served as a French Quarter militia. Evidence of their presence can be seen in the photo of the rear balcony railing. The building (1839) is also great because it was designed by James Dakin. Although a New Yorker, he still did some great work in Mobile and New Orleans. Dakin, with his brother Charles, designed Barton Academy (1836) which was the first public school in the state of Alabama. It’s still standing today but it’s in dire need of attention.

The Arsenal served as a Confederate stronghold until New Orleans fell (or folded like a paper hat really) early in the war. To add insult to injury, the occupying Federal troops tuned the building into a headquarters and jail. The strangest battle wasn’t until Reconstruction when the building was taken over by a white supremacist organization of mostly ex-confederate soldiers, called the White League. They affectively took over the entire government and ran Louisiana for three days. President Grant wasn’t impressed and sent American troops to TCB and return order to the state. The city of New Orleans created a monument to memorialize the members of the White League who perished in the fight. This monument was the center of controversy for years and was later altered to include the names of the Metropolitan Police and black militia who died while serving their country. The simple monument was moved behind the Canal Place building between the parking garage, train track, and levy wall. That way no one can enjoy it or find it, but it’s still technically on pubic display.

Here is a link to the article and one for the morning WWL TV interview. Enjoy.