What is Colonel Short's Villa known for?

The villa is most famous for its unique cast-iron fence featuring a motif of intertwined morning glories and cornstalks. This design is one of only three nineteenth-century cornstalk fences remaining in New Orleans.

Who designed and built Colonel Short's Villa?

The villa was designed by architect Henry Howard in the Italian-Renaissance or Italianate style and was built by Robert Huyghe in 1859.

What happened to the villa during the Civil War?

The house was seized in 1863 as the property of an absent rebel and used as an executive mansion for Federal Governor Michael Hahn and later as a home for Major General Nathaniel P. Banks. It was returned to Colonel Short in August 1865.

Is there a story behind the cornstalk fence?

Yes, there is a local legend that the cornstalk and morning glory motif was a gift for Colonel Short's wife, Margaret, who was native to Iowa, to ease her homesickness.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Colonel Short's Villa in New Orleans

Colonel Short's Villa

An Italian-Renaissance masterpiece in the Garden District, famous for its unique cast-iron cornstalk fence and a tumultuous history as a Civil War executive mansion.

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What to know

Commissioned in 1859, Colonel Short's Villa is a stunning example of Italian-Renaissance architecture. Designed by the renowned architect Henry Howard and constructed by Robert Huyghe, a builder from Baltimore, the home was created for Robert Short, a cotton commission merchant from Kentucky. The villa's design was conceived around the same time as the nearby Dufour-Baldwin House. The property is most celebrated for its extraordinary cast-iron fence, manufactured by Wood, Miltenberger and Company. This intricate ironwork features a motif of intertwined morning glories and cornstalks, making it one of only three such nineteenth-century cornstalk fences remaining in New Orleans. Local legend suggests this specific design was a romantic gift for Short's wife, Margaret, who was native to Iowa, intended to evoke her home state. During the American Civil War, the villa's ownership became a point of contention. Because Short was considered an absent rebel, the Union Forces seized the property on September 1, 1863. It served as the Executive Mansion for Michael Hahn, the federal governor of Louisiana, and was later occupied by Major General Nathaniel P. Banks and his family. Following the conflict, the U.S. Government returned the property to Colonel Short on August 15, 1865. Short reclaimed his home and resided there for the next several decades until his death in 1890, leaving behind a residence that remains a landmark of the Garden District's architectural heritage.

Visitor tips

Focus your attention on the fence details, specifically the morning glory vines and cornstalks.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as this is a sidewalk-based viewing experience.
Visit during the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for architectural photography.

Nearby context

Located at 1448 Fourth Street, the villa is a cornerstone of the Garden District, reflecting the wealth of the mid-19th century cotton merchants and the architectural influence of Henry Howard in the neighborhood.