Jackson Square

What to know

Jackson Square is a historic park located in the heart of the French Quarter, bounded by Chartres Street, St. Ann Street, Decatur Street, and St. Peter Street. Originally laid out in 1721 by Pierre Le Blond de la Tour and Adrien de Pauger, the square began as a military parade ground known as the Place d'Armes. It has served as the civic and spiritual center of New Orleans since 1718, representing the military, religious, and administrative functions of early colonial cities. In 1803, the square became the site of the official transfer of Louisiana from France to the United States. Later, during the War of 1812, Major General Andrew Jackson used the area for musterings, including a major troop review on December 18, 1814. In honor of these events and his 1814 victory over the British, the square was renovated and renamed in 1851. An equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson, created by Clark Mills, was unveiled at the center of the square in 1856. The square is surrounded by some of the city's most iconic colonial Spanish architecture, including the St. Louis Cathedral, the Presbytere, and the Cabildo. It also features the Lower and Upper Pontalba Apartments, which are the oldest apartment buildings in the United States. In 2012, the American Planning Association designated Jackson Square as one of the Great Public Spaces in the United States, and it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960.

Visitor tips

• The square is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. during daylight saving time.
• If you are coming from the Convention Center area, you can take the Riverfront Streetcar to get here.
• For a taste of contemporary Creole cuisine, visit Muriel's Jackson Square located right at the square.

Nearby context

Jackson Square is situated in the French Quarter, overlooking the Mississippi River and surrounded by historic buildings like the St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo.