Did you know Mid-City was once called “Back of Town”? It’s true. Before Europeans arrived Native Americans lived here especially along the higher ground near the bayou. This Mid-City area was swampy land with a few dairy farms and cemeteries. Development was slow. The canals and streetcars arrived in the 1800s but Mid-City didn’t really boom until improved drainage in the 1890s. A pumping station near Broad and Bienville Streets made all the difference. Homes then sprang up along Canal Street stretching towards the cemeteries.
Mid-City’s character blossomed. It’s a fascinating mix of architectural styles. Shotgun cottages with wooden gingerbread ornaments from the late 1800s stand alongside bungalows Tudors and Mission style homes built in the 1920s. This Mid-City neighborhood near City Park the largest green space in New Orleans shows its rich history. Industrial development also shaped Mid-City. Factories lined the canals and railroads. The American Can Company New Orleans Roofing and Metal Works and Southern Sheet Metal Works thrived. Some still operate today.
But Mid-City isn’t just about industry. It’s also a neighborhood of diverse people. African Americans make up the majority. Mid-City also boasts the highest percentage of Hispanic residents of any neighborhood a surprising 10 percent. In the 1900s a large Hispanic population called Mid-City home. Many have since moved to other parts of New Orleans. Mid-City’s cemeteries tell tales of segregation. Odd Fellows Rest for example buried non-Catholic African Americans while Catholic cemeteries like St Patrick’s buried people of all races. Holt Cemetery sometimes called Potter’s Field served the poor many resting there with unmarked graves.
Mid-City also has a lively cultural scene. Mid-City Lanes Rock N Bowl started as a struggling bowling alley. It transformed into a vibrant spot for live music and entertainment. The Pelican Stadium a place where the New Orleans Creoles a Black baseball team held clinics for young boys also tells a story of Mid-City’s past. The Mid-City Krewe a Mardi Gras organization known for its animated floats and the Battle of the Bands parades through the city. It’s a unique blend of history culture and a little bit of swampy charm. Mid-City remains a diverse and engaging neighborhood.