Algiers

ALGIERS

Algiers is the second oldest neighborhood in New Orleans and the only Orleans Parish community located on the West Bank of the Mississippi River.  It is also known as the 15th Ward.

Many people feel that Algiers has always been regarded as the "red-headed step-sister" of New Orleans. During its independence from 1840 to 1870, Algiers was governed by a Police Jury but was annexed to the City in 1870, a move that still has its opponents to this day!

HISTORY

The land was cleared and plantation homes built along the riverfront. When the Spanish arrived in 1769, they sold off the lands in Algiers belonging to the Crown and aided homesteaders to establish farms and develop the West Bank. The two most famous of these early landowners were Barthelemy DUVERJE, whose land would be divided into lots in the 1840s to form what we now know as Algiers Point, and John McDONOGH, whose home was on Adams Street between Newton and Homer Streets. McDONOGH’s home, called "Monplaisir," and several other buildings throughout the history of Algiers, slipped into the river when landslides, or crevasses, occurred.

Since those early days, the levee system built by the Corps of Engineers, protects the residents from such occurrences today. Although McDONOGH owned much of what is now McDonoghville, he did actually live in Algiers, where he had a brick kiln and extensive pleasure gardens, where music could often be heard and
dancing was THE social event of the time.

LOCATION

It is a short ferry ride from the foot of Canal Street in busy downtown New Orleans to Algiers Point, but the transition is dramatic. Most of the area’s activity, for visitors anyway, takes place at Algiers Point where the famous Canal Street / Algiers Ferry has been the main attraction since 1827 and is still giving folks one of the best rides in town at very affordable rates.

Algiers Point is New Orleans' Brooklyn without the bustle-the neighborhood has great views of both the city skyline and the Mississippi River.  Algiers Point still has the feel of a village.  The character of this neighborhood has made "The Point" a favorite with musicians and artists.

Algiers Point's 19th century small town atmosphere will leave you wonderfully recharged.  The neighborhood has seen many ups and downs throughout its history, but has risen as a premier historic village within New Orleans.

 

The Algiers riverfront now offers three miles along the levee for walking, biking, and picnics.  Notable places of interest include the Jazz Walk of Fame, honoring the musical legends of New Orleans, and Confetti Park, a whimsical playground for kids with original fence work by artist Steven Kline.

LOCAL CUSTOMS

Algiers Point is rich in outstanding events and customs. From the Wednesday night concert series on the levee, to Confetti Kid’s sold out Candyland Ball, we know how to have a great time over here! Jump on the ferry and check it out. Whether you’re catching a concert on the levee or just watching the sunset and grabbing a drink, you will not be disappointed.

HIDDEN GEMS

Mini Art Center - Mini Art center’s goal is to be a place where every artist feels welcome, and to inspire the kid in all of us. They were founded on the belief that art can bring neighbors together. With arts budgets waning in schools, we have our own little artist incubator. They offer holiday camps, summer camps, movie nights, open studio, flubber Fridays for the littlest artists and independent studies for the oldest. Our children are sculptors, animators, and painters.

Calliope Puppets - When world renowned puppeteer Karen Konnerth is not bringing her puppets to the children of the world, she hosts the occasional Friday evening puppet show in her studio at 623 Vallete Street.

Rostetree Blown Glass Studio - In neighbor Mark Rosenbaum’s Rosetree Blown Glass Studio, large glass windows allow you to watch the studio in action. But, if you need to get even closer, sign up for a glass blowing class and blow your own masterpiece. Watch for the children that gather at the side door for a peek of the action.

PARKS

 Confetti Park! All of our parks are great, but Confetti is the heart of our community. Delcazal is popular with the older children and Confetti is loved by the little's. We hope to strike a balance in our new park at Homer and Elmira, “The Lot” named for Algiers Point resident Russell Blanchard’s award winning short film about the immediate need for play in what is currently a park desert. Our hope for “The Lot” is that it not only provides an innovative place for play and community in our neighborhood, but that it bridges a gap in our community. That it expands the boundaries of our parks and provides play close and accessible to all of our children. The Lot would provide play space for three elementary schools, all located just a few blocks away.

 SOURCES:

“Algiers.” NewOrleansOnline.com, www.neworleansonline.com/tools/neighborhoodguide/algiers.html.

“Algiers, New Orleans, LA.” TripAdvisor, www.tripadvisor.com/Neighborhood-g60864-n8594417-Algiers-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html.

 Craig, Eric. “Getting to know Algiers Point, New Orleans' best kept secret.” Curbed New Orleans, Curbed New Orleans, 11 Jan. 2017, nola.curbed.com/2017/1/11/14240980/algiers-point-new-orleans-travel-visit-fun.

Iblueskytraveler. “Crossing the Mississippi River to Algiers Point, New Orleans.” BlueSkyTraveler.com, 26 Aug. 2015, www.blueskytraveler.com/new-orleans-mississippi-algiers-point/.

Page created by Jessica Aaron