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New Orleans Garden District Tour
“No houses could well be in better harmony with their surroundings,
or more pleasing to the eye.”
-Mark Twain, on the Garden District
New Orleans Garden District:Early in the 1830s, American entrepreneurs bought the Livaudais sugar plantation with the intention of creating a suburb of New Orleans. In 1832, a group of investors bought the Livaudais Sugar plantation for $490,000 in 21st century dollars. The plantation was on the highest ground in the area.
The founders named their town for the hero of the American Revolution, the Marquis de Lafayette. Lafayette was so loved by the American people that after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, President Thomas Jefferson asked him to take the governorship of the new Louisiana territory. He refused citing his concern for France under the rule of Napoleon.
The Garden District was an enclave of American capitalists. New Orleans was booming and the opportunity to make a fortune was a powerful lure. These newcomers built homes that were a testament to their enterprise and business acumen.
But the American capitalists were not only about money. Their contribution to public education in New Orleans is little known. There was no public education in either New Orleans or in Louisiana until they made it happen. They modeled their school system on New England's. All the teachers, textbooks, and furniture came from Boston. The first school opened in 1842, and within a year, more than a thousand students swamped the new school system.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Garden District
1. How did it happen to be called the Garden District?
The new residents of the city of Lafayette brought in fill for their lots. They wanted to elevate the houses to protect against flooding. The fill was perfect for growing everything from vegetables and fruits to flowers and trees. From the beginning it became known as the Garden District.
2. Will we be able to go into any of these houses?
No, these are family homes, not museums. There is only one museum house in the Garden District.
3. How much does a house sell for here?
As with any house, it depends on the size and condition. The majority of the houses sell for seven figures.
No doubt you will have other questions as you tour the area. That’s a very good reason to take a guided tour of the Garden District. The Garden District tour includes Lafayette Cemetery.
Garden District tours are 1.5 hrs. and are $15.00 per person. Discounts for groups of 10 or more traveling together, and for volunteer and student groups.
Reserve your tour by email at info@tour-new-orleans.com, or call 504-914-2039.
The Garden District was an enclave of American capitalists. New Orleans was booming and the opportunity to make a fortune was a powerful lure. These newcomers built homes that were a testament to their enterprise and business acumen.
But the American capitalists were not only about money. Their contribution to public education in New Orleans is little known. There was no public education in either New Orleans or in Louisiana until they made it happen. They modeled their school system on New England's. All the teachers, textbooks, and furniture came from Boston. The first school opened in 1842, and within a year, more than a thousand students swamped the new school system.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Garden District
1. How did it happen to be called the Garden District?
The new residents of the city of Lafayette brought in fill for their lots. They wanted to elevate the houses to protect against flooding. The fill was perfect for growing everything from vegetables and fruits to flowers and trees. From the beginning it became known as the Garden District.
2. Will we be able to go into any of these houses?No, these are family homes, not museums. There is only one museum house in the Garden District.
3. How much does a house sell for here?
As with any house, it depends on the size and condition. The majority of the houses sell for seven figures.
No doubt you will have other questions as you tour the area. That’s a very good reason to take a guided tour of the Garden District. The Garden District tour includes Lafayette Cemetery.
Garden District tours are 1.5 hrs. and are $15.00 per person. Discounts for groups of 10 or more traveling together, and for volunteer and student groups.
Reserve your tour by email at info@tour-new-orleans.com, or call 504-914-2039.