Site of the First U.S. District Court
New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Marker Inscription
Site of the First U.S. District Court. In 1792 the Spanish colonial government built a boys' public school on this site. After the Louisiana Purchase it served as the First United States District Court of the Louisiana Territory. Here, in 1815, after the Battle of New Orleans, General Andrew Jackson was fined $1000 for contempt of court in a dispute following his refusal to lift martial law before confirmation of peace was received. The old building was demolished in 1888,when the present building was erected.
Erected by Orleans Parish Landmarks Commission
The Story
This corner holds layers of New Orleans's legal and civic past. A Spanish colonial boys' public school stood here from 1792, and after the Louisiana Purchase the building became the first United States District Court for the Louisiana Territory. In 1815, in a famous clash between military and civil authority, General Andrew Jackson was fined $1,000 for contempt after refusing to lift martial law until news of peace was confirmed following the Battle of New Orleans.
Why it matters
The site captures the young republic working out the balance between military power and the rule of law in its newly acquired territory.
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Related people
- · Andrew Jackson
Related events
- · Battle of New Orleans
- · Louisiana Purchase
Themes & tags
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