Eighth Ward/St. Roch/Faubourg Marigny

Sep 24

The Eighth Ward was composed of the Faubourg Marigny, St. Roch, Gentilly Terrace, Milneburg, Seabrook, and Lake Oaks neighborhoods and emcompassed a narrow strip stretching from the Mississippi River to Lake Pontchartrain. The area along the natural high ground of the riverfront, the Faubourg Marigny and the Marigny Rectangle, was first developed in the nineteenth century, followed by the area from Gentilly Ridge to the lake. Louisiana Creoles of color and German immigrants primarily settled in the Eighth between the 1830s and 1880s. Several musicians either grew up in the neighborhood or moved here as adults. Sidney Bechet, Manny Perez, Danny Barker, and Paul Barbarin, all giants of New Orleans music, made their homes in the neighborhood. Today, the area is known for its Cajun bistros, bohemian bars and jazz clubs. It features sidewalk musicians and brass bands creating a block party vibe into the nighttime Frenchmen Art Market, which sells local artwork and handicrafts.

*Please note that this neighborhood is directly adjacent to the Bywater (Upper Ninth) and Marigny we recommend combining your visit here with your visit to both which features three other prospect venues.