Isn’t it intriguing that a place like Arabi, Louisiana, began as a suburb of New Orleans in the 19th century? It sits on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, nestled between the Lower 9th Ward and Chalmette. This census-designated place has a unique story.
Arabi’s history is tied to a need to separate certain industries from New Orleans. A law in the 1880s prohibited slaughterhouses within the city. So, businesses moved downriver. This area became known as Stockyard Landing due to its many stockyards. Imagine the old days. Dishes from New Orleans hotels fed the animals.
But how did Arabi get its name? Some say it’s after residents burned down the courthouse in the 1890s. This act was supposedly inspired by Arabi Pasha, who torched Alexandria, Egypt, in 1882. The locals felt a connection to his revolt against British rule. They saw it as similar to their own separation from New Orleans.
In 1907, Friscoville Avenue became Arabi’s gambling hub. Gambling was illegal in Orleans Parish. Friscoville Avenue was just outside the parish line. Clubs like the Jai-Alai Fronton and the Arabi Club thrived. These clubs faced frequent raids. In 1928, Governor Huey P. Long ordered a raid by the National Guard. Soldiers stormed in. Women screamed. People fainted. The gambling paraphernalia was burned. These establishments operated until 1952.
Arabi has faced natural disasters. Hurricane Betsy in 1965 flooded the area. The storm surge topped levees. Water levels rose dramatically. Residents sought refuge in two-story buildings. They eventually evacuated themselves using fishing boats. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 brought even greater devastation. Water reached over 20 feet in some spots. Many homes were destroyed. Locals again used private boats to rescue themselves and others.
In 2022, Arabi faced another challenge. An EF3 tornado caused widespread damage along Friscoville Avenue. Homes were destroyed and a brewery and a church were also destroyed. Sadly, one person died. Only nine months later, another tornado struck.
Despite these hardships, Arabi remains. It has a population of over 4,000. The community continues to rebuild and preserve its history. Arabi is a testament to the resilience of its people. It stands as a reminder of the past and a beacon for the future.