Picture the scene A bustling port town thrives on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. This is Milneburg in its heyday. A vibrant community where the rhythmic chug of steam locomotives mingled with the lively sounds of jazz.
Milneburg a historic town and neighborhood holds a special place in New Orleans history. It was once a thriving port connected to the city by Elysian Fields Avenue. This connection played a vital role in its growth and its unique cultural identity.
Imagine the year 1831. The Pontchartrain Railroad dramatically changed Milneburg’s destiny. Steam engines hauled people and goods along a five-mile route. A long pier extended into the lake. Ocean-going ships could now dock directly at Milneburg. The port boomed. Hotels saloons bathhouses and resorts sprang up. Many were built on wooden piers over the lake connected by boardwalks.
Milneburg became a popular resort area. “Camps” houses on piers were rented for parties. People enjoyed fishing picnics and dancing to live music. The town’s diverse population contributed to its unique atmosphere. The sounds of jazz filled the air. Musicians from different parts of the city and across racial lines played together. They influenced each other creating a distinctive musical style. Sharkey Bonano a famous New Orleans musician grew up here. His life reflects the area’s legacy. The New Orleans Rhythm Kings even immortalized Milneburg in their popular tune “Milenburg Joys”.
However time and progress altered Milneburg’s landscape. In the 1920s and 30s a land dredging project reshaped the shoreline. Old Milneburg disappeared. Pontchartrain Beach an amusement park replaced it. The University of New Orleans now sits nearby.
Today the area known as Milneburg is south and inland of the historic site. While the original town is gone its spirit lives on. Its legacy of music commerce and cultural diversity remains an important part of New Orleans rich history. We remember Milneburg the once lively port town resort destination and cradle of jazz.