Cathedral of St. Louis, King of France
New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Marker Inscription
Cathedral of St. Louis, King of France. The first church on this site, designed by Adrien de Pauger, was erected 1724-1727 and was destroyed in the great fire of 1788. The second church - a gift of Don Andres Almonester y Roxas, designed by Gilberto Guillemard - begun in 1789 and dedicated as a Cathedral on Christmas Eve 1794. This church served until it was enlarged and essentially rebuilt 1849-1851 from designs of J.N.B. de Pouilly, architect. Designated as the Metropolitan Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 1850. On December 9, 1964, Pope Paul VI bestowed upon it the rank of Minor Basilica. Dedicated May 1968 in honor of the 250 anniversary of the founding of New Orleans, and in commemoration of service for 175 years of the Diocese est. April 25, 1793. Orleans Parish landmarks Commission. 1968
Erected by Orleans Parish Landmarks Commission
The Story
On this spot in New Orleans' Vieux Carré, a French colonial church first rose in the 1720s, only to burn in the catastrophic fire of 1788. A generous benefactor funded its grand successor, dedicated on Christmas Eve 1794, which was later enlarged and largely rebuilt at mid-century into the landmark that presides over Jackson Square today. Raised to a cathedral and eventually honored as a minor basilica, it has anchored Catholic life in the city for nearly three centuries.
Why it matters
As the oldest continuously active Catholic cathedral in the United States, it embodies the deep French and Spanish colonial roots that still give New Orleans its distinctive character.
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Related people
- · Adrien de Pauger
- · Don Andres Almonester y Roxas
- · Gilberto Guillemard
- · J.N.B. de Pouilly
Related events
- · Great New Orleans Fire of 1788
Themes & tags
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