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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / History

LaLaurie Mansion

A haunting French Quarter landmark at 1140 Royal Street, this Empire-style mansion is infamous for the horrific torture of enslaved people under Madame Delphine LaLaurie in the early 19th century.

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LaLaurie Mansion
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Where is the LaLaurie Mansion located?

The mansion is located at 1140 Royal Street on the corner of Governor Nicholls in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

What is the LaLaurie Mansion known for?

It is a historic French Quarter landmark known for its dark and infamous past, specifically the torture and murder of enslaved people by Delphine LaLaurie.

What happened during the fire of 1834?

A fire on April 10, 1834, destroyed the house and revealed the horrific treatment of enslaved people, including the discovery of seven enslaved people in varying degrees of starvation and torment.

What does the mansion look like?

The current structure is a three-story stuccoed house executed in the Empire style, featuring a baroque facade, wrought-iron balconies, and a rectangular floor plan.

Who has owned the property?

The property was acquired by Dr. and Mrs. Louis LaLaurie in 1831 and later rebuilt for Charles Caffin in 1838. More recently, actor Nicolas Cage purchased it in 2006 for $3.4 million before losing it to foreclosure in 2009.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Standing at the corner of Royal and Governor Nicholls streets, the LaLaurie Mansion is one of the most infamous landmarks in the French Quarter. In 1831, Marie Delphine MacCarthy Blanque LaLaurie acquired the property from Edmond Soniat Dufossat. She completed the original residence, which was a two-story Federal-style structure likely built of exposed brick, by 1832. The mansion's dark legacy was exposed on April 10, 1834, when a fire broke out at the residence. During the emergency response, rescuers discovered seven enslaved people living in states of starvation and torment. Following the public outrage over her cruelty, Madame LaLaurie fled New Orleans, traveling first to Alabama and eventually to Paris to avoid legal accountability. The building seen today is not the original structure. Between 1837 and 1838, architect Pierre Trastour rebuilt the residence for Charles Caffin. This version is a three-story stuccoed structure executed in the Empire style, featuring a baroque facade, wrought-iron balconies, and a rectangular floor plan. Over the decades, the property has passed through many owners. In 2006, actor Nicolas Cage purchased the mansion for $3.4 million, though he later lost the property to foreclosure in 2009. Today, the site remains a focal point for those exploring the macabre history of the city.

Visitor tips

  • View the mansion from the sidewalk, as it is a private residence and interior access is not available.
  • Visit during the day to appreciate the intricate wrought-iron balconies and baroque architectural details.
  • Pair this stop with a local ghost tour to hear more about the legends associated with the site.

Nearby context

Located on Royal Street, the mansion is situated in the heart of the French Quarter, an area known for its high concentration of historic homes and galleries.

Sources

Evidence and links