Garden District History Walk

Come walk with us on a FREE, small group tour of the Garden District. For two hours we will explore oak-covered streets, covering the history of the neighborhood and its historic mansions and manicured gardens.

For over 100 years, the Garden District has been home to New Orleans’ elite. Once home to plantations, the area now boasts oak-covered streets, historic mansions, and large manicured gardens dating back to the mid-1800s when the area was annexed by New Orleans. The development of the area was primarily undertaken by wealthy Americans who did not find open arms from their French counterparts and the existing Creole neighborhoods. Greek Revival is the most prominent architectural style and the gardens so significant the whole neighborhood is named for them. Famous residents include Anne Rice, John Goodman, and Sandra Bullock. Jefferson Davis, the former President of the Confederacy, died in the neighborhood.

This walking tourWe will not have a jam packed group of 28 people, our current maximum is 10 guests. Our tour guides will not dress in costumes and offer unbelievable stories. Expect a small group with a well-read tour guide offering stories heavy on history and light on theatrics.

Itinerary Highlights

1. 2727 Prytania Av: Home of the World Cotton Centennial, also referred to as the 1884 World’s Fair. The specific building was built as a roller skating rink, which was very popular at the time. 

2. 1488 Fourth St: Mansion featuring the famous corn stalk cast iron fence. This intricate iron fence was built in the 1860s to help the owner’s wife feel less homesick for her home state of Iowa. 

3. 2727 Coliseum St:  Movie house, featured in Benjamin Button.

4. 2627 Coliseum St:  Home of Sandra Bullock.

5. 1415 3rd St: Home of John Goodman.

6. 1239 1st St:  Anne Rice house, setting for her novel the Witching Hour.

7. 1331 Coliseum St:  Home of Zion Williamson.

8. 2325 Coliseum St:  Location of the “seven brides” or “seven sisters.” The famous architect Henry Howard who built these seven houses in 1867. These cookie cutter were an early example of suburbia.

9. 1420 Jackson Ave:  The Buckner Mansion, which was featured on American Horror House as Miss Robicheaux’s Academy.

10. 2325 Prytania Ave:  Built in 1872, this French Second Empire–style mansion has been home to the Louise S McGeehee School since 1929.

11. 2340 Prytania Ave:  Built in 1838, this is the oldest home in the Garden District

12. 2406 Prytania Ave:  This residence built in 1905 has been home to French Consul’s home since 1957.

13. Lafayette Cemetery at Prytania and Washington Ave: The cemetery is one of the three oldest cemeteries in the city. It was the first planned cemetery and holds over 1,000 family tombs.  

Important information

Inclusions

• Local Guide

Exclusions

• Food and drinks, other than specified
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Departure details

• This tour meets the corner of Esplanade and Decatur. Please arrive 15min before your scheduled departure time.

Duration

• 2hrs

Additional information

• Please tip your guide and review your experience
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Not recommended for those who are pregnant or have back problems
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• Please be aware that the itinerary listed is an example of the sites that may be visited. Some sites may be added or subtracted to the itinerary at the tour guide’s discretion.
• This tour has a maximum of 10 participants and requires a minimum of 5 participants
• Near public transportation

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For Bookings Please Feel Free to Call, Text, Or Email!