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Survey of Historic Sites and Buildings

	JACKSON SQUARE Louisiana
Orleans Parish, Vieux Carre, New Orleans. Jackson Square

Ownership and Administration. City of New Orleans.

Significance. On December 20, 1803, in this square in the heart of the French capital of Louisiana, the U.S. flag was raised for the first time over the newly purchased Louisiana Territory—the largest single accession of territory in the history of the Nation. Twice in 3 weeks during late 1803 the allegiance of the inhabitants of New Orleans was shifted, from Spain to France to the United States. At noon on November 30 a crowd gathered to hear the announcement from the balcony of the Cabildo that Louisiana had passed from Spanish into French possession. On December 20 they heard that their allegiance again had been changed; the flag of France was hauled down and replaced by the Stars and Stripes.

Jackson Square, located in the heart of the Vieux Carre district of New Orleans, is of architectural as well as historical interest. Surrounded by buildings dating from the days of Spanish Louisiana, the square was in 1803 the scene of the transfer of Louisiana from Spain to France and from France to the United States. St. Louis Cathedral overlooks the square. Courtesy, New Orleans Chamber of Commerce.

Present Appearance. Jackson Square, a tree-shaded public park once known as Place D'Armes, is still the hub of the French Quarter, as it has been throughout the years. It offers a fine view of the Cabildo, St. Louis Cathedral, and other historic buildings. In the center of the square, dominating the park, are the famous equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson by Clark Mills and the flagpole marking the site of the symbolic transfer of sovereignty of Louisiana Territory to the United States.

NHL Designation: 10/09/60