What is The Garden District known for?
What is the Garden district known for? One word: architecture.
The Garden District is crowned as New Orleans’s, elegant, opulent side; the charming Victorian, Italianate, and Greek Revival mansions peeking out from oak-lined streets are a direct contrast to the stacked townhouses of the crowded French Quarter. Want to learn about the history of the Garden District? Check out our article on What is the Garden District.
Did you know the Garden District is home to some of New Orleans biggest celebrities?.
This Greek Revival stunner dates to 1857, when it was constructed for Albert Brevard by James Calrow and Charles Pride. The mansion’s most notable features are its columns and intricate wrought iron balcony. Mr. Brevard died inside the home only 2 years after its completion and it’s said that he still haunts the residence to this day.
Anne Rice purchased the property in 1989. The first novel she wrote here was The Witching Hour, which features the Brevard House as the ancestral home of the Mayfair witches. Her consecutive novels in the series would continue to feature the Brevard House.
Today, the plaque outside the mansion proclaims the official name to be The Brevard-Rice House, but fans continue to affectionately refer to the property as “The Anne Rice House.”
Location: 1239 First Street
The house was recently bought by new owners who painted it the current color.
Built in 1859 as the work of one of New Orleans’ most famous architects, Henry Howard, this 2-story home is best recognized by its wraparound porches on both of its floors, and its distinctive curved sides.
This mansion and its former slave quarters and stables recently underwent a renovation (including the addition of an elevator). It was one of the first homes in New Orleans to feature running water. It is currently the home of Mickey Loomis, the General Manager of The Saints
Location: 1415 Third Street
This is one of the most photographed mansions not only in the Garden District, but in all of New Orleans. The reason for the popularity? This particular residence was seen on Season 3 of American Horror Story: Coven and again on Season 8 of American Horror Story: Apocalypse.
Before becoming Miss Robicheaux’s Witch Academy on AHS, Buckner Mansion was already well worth a look, with her cast iron fence, handsome columns, and 3 ballrooms. The mansion was built in 1856 by Henry Sullivan Buckner, who lived there until 1861. Buckner mansion became the Soule Business School until 1983 and is now used as a private residence and occasional filming location.
While you can’t formally tour the home, AHS fans will recognize plenty of filming locations from the outside. Remember to take photos respectfully, as the house is occupied.
Location: 1410 Jackson Ave
This mansion is a pink, 3-story Italian masterpiece built in 1869 and designed by Samuel Jamison. It’s owner, Joseph Carroll, was known for throwing elaborate (and often raunchy) parties, with prominent guests such as Mark Twain. Think about it: Mark Twain partied in this mansion, and maybe even drew inspiration from its walls!
The Joseph Carroll House is a stop on nearly every Garden District tour. Its iconic cast-iron balconies and friendly pink color make it one of the most unique mansions in a neighborhood of unique mansions.
Location: 1315 First Street
NCIS New Orleans
Scott Bakula and Mark Harmon can be seen standing in front of the streetcars on St. Charles Avenue. Lafayette No.1 is also briefly used as a backdrop.
The Originals
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is a popular location for films, most recently The Originals. While most of the show was filmed in Georgia, some of the key scenes were filmed in New Orleans. Lafayette No. 1 was used in many scenes of The Originals, from witches practicing magic and performing rituals, to simply serving as a meetup spot.
American Horror Story
The formerly mentioned Buckner Mansion was featured in nearly every episode of Coven, and episode 10 “Apocalypse Then,” of Apocalypse.
Music Videos
LeAnn Rimes shot “Life Goes On” at Lafayette No.1 and New Kids on the Block used the cemetery for a few scenes in the music video for their hit “You Got It (The Right Stuff).”
Picture this: six whole miles of historic southern mansions housing eclectic boutique shops and locally owned businesses. Magazine Street is to the Garden District what Royal Street is to the French Quarter-known for opulence and expensive prices.
Magazine Street is known for having much more variety however, offering stylish secondhand shops and quirky coffee houses.
Note: Lafayette No. 1 is currently closed for renovations, and it is unclear when the cemetery will re-open for tours.
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 was named after the city of Lafayette, which would later become The Garden District. Active since 1833, with an estimated 7,000 people buried there, the cemetery has a rich history as the final resting place of some of most interesting New Orleanians.
Some of the most notable people buried in Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 are Judge Ferguson of the Plessy vs. Ferguson “separate-but-equal” case, and several historic volunteer firemen organizations.
Some of the most famous residents of the cemetery are fictional. In Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches series, the tomb for the witches in The Witching Hour, looks similar to the Lafayette fireman tombs.
Lafayette No.1 is also the unofficial ‘most filmed cemetery in New Orleans.’
Aside from its title as one of the Garden District’s most haunted locations, the food at Commander’s Palace is pretty incredible and has won a variety of awards. Both Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse, arguably two of New Orleans most famous chefs, have gotten their start here. This restaurant is a neighborhood icon known for its southern charm, Creole cuisine and the beautiful architecture that houses it.
The mansion that is Commander’s Palace can be described as a fun-looking, bright blue, Victorian masterpiece. Inside, the style is much more traditional fine dining, with formal attire, crisp white walls, and crystal chandeliers.
What is The Garden District known for? A collection of beautiful and unique architecture with Greek, Spanish, Italian, French and Creole influence; Mansions that have belonged to the same families for generations, historic streets framed by oak trees, and virtually every American architectural style from 1832 to 1950.
Ready to see The Historic Garden District for yourself? Let us show you. We offer our in-depth Historic Garden District walking tour at 3pm daily
Or read more about the History of the Garden District
The Garden District is Easily accessible from the French Quarter via the St. Charles Streetcar.
