Algiers

Have you ever crossed the mighty Mississippi River to explore the other side of New Orleans? Well, on the west bank, you’ll find Algiers, a vibrant neighborhood with a unique history and charm. It’s more than just a suburb. It’s a place where you can experience the true heart of New Orleans, away from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter. Imagine a community established in 1719 as a plantation, not just a neighbourhood. First used as a holding area for newly arrived enslaved Africans, Algiers became a port of call for displaced Cajuns. This area was used as a ‘warehouse, workshop, lumber mill and a farm in service of the principal colony across the river’. The primary purpose, however, was a depository for captive Africans, a somber reminder of a dark chapter in New Orleans’ past. Algiers grew into a town, bustling with shipbuilding and repair industries, and even boasted a booming railroad presence. In 1938, the first all-black school in Algiers opened – L.B. Landry High School. This was one of the first schools in New Orleans dedicated to serving African Americans. During the late nineteenth century, Algiers housed several jazz pioneers, including Red Allen, Peter Bocage, George Lewis, Papa Celestin, and Kid Thomas Valentine, who added to the rich fabric of New Orlean’s musical heritage. These musicians referred to Algiers as the ‘Brooklyn of the South,’ a testament to its lively spirit and distinct identity. Today, Algiers is a fascinating blend of history, culture, and a thriving community. This historic neighborhood, with its unique past and vibrant present, offers a glimpse into the soul of New Orleans. It is a must-visit for those seeking to understand the city’s rich cultural history and experience the lively atmosphere beyond the French Quarter.