New Orleans, Orleans Parish / History
Victory Arch
America's first known permanent tribute to U.S. servicemen in World War I, this community-erected arch commemorates the soldiers of the Upper 9th Ward.
What is the Victory Arch known for?
The Victory Arch is recognized as America's first known permanent tribute to U.S. servicemen in World War I.
What does the Victory Arch commemorate?
The arch was erected after World War I to honor 9th Ward residents who served or died in the war.
Where is the Victory Arch located?
It is located on Burgundy Street between Alvar and Pauline Streets on the edge of what was Macarty Square in New Orleans.
When was the Victory Arch built?
The monument was erected by community members in 1919.
What is unique about the list of names on the Victory Arch?
The monument lists names of soldiers from diverse neighborhoods, but the list is segregated by race.
What should I check before going?
Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.
What to know
The Victory Arch stands as a poignant reminder of the early twentieth century in New Orleans. Erected by community members in 1919, this monument serves as America's first known permanent tribute to U.S. servicemen who fought in World War I. It was built to honor the residents of the 9th Ward who served or died during the conflict, reflecting the patriotic desire of a racially diverse working-class community to demonstrate their service to the country. Located on Burgundy Street between Alvar and Pauline Streets, the arch is positioned on the edge of what was once Macarty Square. Its architectural form as an arch monument allows it to mark a specific point of historical significance within the Bywater/Upper 9th Ward area. One of the most striking and sobering sobering features of the monument is the list of soldiers' names. The names are listed as a segregated list, divided by race, reflecting the social realities of the era in which it was built. This detail provides a tangible link to the history of segregation in the Orleans Parish area.
Visitor tips
- Allow about 20 minutes to read the names on the monument to fully appreciate the historical context.
- Visit during the morning to avoid the midday heat of New Orleans.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as you explore the surrounding Bywater neighborhood.
Nearby context
The Victory Arch is situated in the heart of the Bywater neighborhood, a historically working-class area known for its artistic community and colorful houses. The monument's location on Burgundy Street is a center of point for historical markers of the Upper 9th Ward.
Sources
Evidence and links
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100 Cities - 100 Memorials Home
Ninth Ward Victory Arch, Monumental Task Committee, Inc. New Orleans, LA.
worldwar1centennial.org -
Bywater Historic District
The Victory Arch, located on Burgundy Street between Alvar and Pauline Streets on the edge of what was Macarty Square
nola.gov -
America's first WWI memorial – in the 9th Ward
Erected by community members in 1919, the monument lists names of soldiers from the diverse neighborhoods, segregated by race.
theneworleans100.com -
How World War I Touched New Orleans
In the Upper 9th Ward, you can still visit America’s first known permanent tribute to US servicemen in World War I.
hnoc.org