Bank of Louisiana Building
New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Marker Inscription
Bank of Louisiana. Erected 1826. Built by Bickle, Hamlet & Fox; the iron fence and gates were made by Sterling & Co. of New York. In 1840 the building was damaged by fire and repairs were made. Another fire occurred in 1861, after which the structure was again restored and the Royal Street entrance added from the plans of James Gallier, Jr., architect. The bank was liquidated in 1867 and for a short time the building was used as the Conveyance Office. In 1868-1869 it served as the State Capitol of Louisiana. In 1870 it was occupied by the Royal Street Auctioneers Exchange. Between 1871 and 1873 the building was used as a concert hall, beer saloon. When the city refused permission to continue the saloon operation, the building was remodelled for the use of the Superior Criminal Court. The court was abolished in 1877 and from 1879 until 1908 the building served as the office of the Recorder of Mortgages and Conveyances. In 1912 it served briefly as the Juvenile Court. In 1921 it was occupied by the American Legion and from 1926 to 1971 it served as the social hall for Crescent City Post 125. During the 1920's part of the building was also occupied by the United States Shipping Board Sea Service Bureau. A third fire damaged the building in 1931. In 1971 the exterior of the building was restored and the interior remodelled for the use of the Greater New Orleans Tourist and Convention Commission. Plaque dedicated 1976 on the sesquicentennial anniversary of the erection of the building. Orleans Parish Landmarks Commission. 1976
Erected by Orleans Parish Landmarks Commission
The Story
Erected in 1826, the Bank of Louisiana survived repeated fires and, after the bank's liquidation in 1867, led a remarkable second life — serving briefly as Louisiana's State Capitol in 1868–69 and later as a criminal court, an American Legion hall, and more. Architect James Gallier, Jr., added the Royal Street entrance after an 1861 fire.
Why it matters
Few buildings so vividly record a city's changing needs, housing banking, government, justice, and civic life across a century and a half of New Orleans history.
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Related people
- · James Gallier, Jr.
Themes & tags
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