Did you know that the Allée de la Borne Blanche has links to plaster and tax revolts? It’s a story of names and unrest. This street has witnessed Paris evolving.
Let’s journey back. The name “Blanche” refers to white. It connects to the transport of plaster into Paris. The plaster came from Montmartre quarries. Imagine carts laden with white plaster. They made their way into the city.
Originally, it was called the White Cross Road. That was back in 1672. By 1793, it received its current name, Allée de la Borne Blanche. Names often evolve. This name reflects the city’s changing identity.
The Place Blanche nearby shares a similar story. A café called the White Cross lent its name. Also, the white flour and gypsum from mills added to the name. These mills covered workers near Montmartre hill.
The Place Blanche saw unrest too. Quarry workers protested against taxes in 1789. They burnt down the tax collectors’ building. This revolt was a spark. It ignited wider unrest in Paris. This led to the events of July 14, 1789. The tax wall met its end.
Later, in 1871, the Place Blanche witnessed a fierce battle. Women from the Women’s Union defended a barricade. They fought against Versailles troops. Exhausted, they retreated. Those who could not escape were executed.
These streets tell tales of Paris. They whisper of plaster, taxes, and revolution. Allée de la Borne Blanche stands as a silent witness. It has seen Paris transform through the centuries. It connects us to the city’s vibrant, turbulent past.