Why is this park called Audubon Park? It’s a question I hear a lot as a tour guide here. Audubon Park, a sprawling green expanse in the heart of New Orleans, is named after the renowned artist and naturalist John James Audubon. Audubon, famous for his detailed illustrations of birds, resided in New Orleans in the early 1800s. Here at Audubon Park, you’ll find remnants of a fascinating past. What we see today as a serene oasis was once a thriving sugar plantation owned by Étienne de Boré. This visionary figure holds the distinction of being the first mayor of New Orleans. He achieved even greater fame for his groundbreaking success in granulating sugar from Louisiana sugarcane. This innovation, a game-changer in 1795, transformed the local economy and laid the foundation for Louisiana’s enduring sugar industry. Look around, imagine those rows of sugarcane swaying in the breeze. After the Civil War, during which this land witnessed both Confederate and Union encampments, the grounds of Audubon Park hosted the grand World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition of 1884. Although financially unsuccessful, the exposition left an indelible mark. The legacy includes lasting landscaping enhancements and a surge in the desirability of this neighborhood. Today, Audubon Park stands as a verdant testament to New Orleans’s vibrant history. Stroll beneath the ancient oaks, some dating back to the plantation era. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lagoons, meticulously designed by the Olmsted firm, renowned for their work on Central Park in New York. Audubon Park is more than a park. It’s a living museum that whispers tales of innovation, resilience, and the enduring spirit of New Orleans.
Barrow Stadium
Wesley Barrow Stadium. A name synonymous with baseball in New Orleans. It might seem unassuming now, but this field holds