SITE 3. THE CABILDO

A color photo of the front of the Cabildo building on Jackson Square.

The Cabildo

The ad announces court-ordered sale of “a Negro-wench, from Guinea, named Rachel, washer-woman, belonging to the estate of the late Rosalia Rebecca Austen” and stipulates the types of credit that would be accepted.

An 1811 newspaper ad, announcing the sale of Rachel

A color photo taken inside the Cabildo’s arcade, a porch-like space between the building’s first floor and the long row of arches stretching across the front.

Under the Cabildo’s arched arcade, countless enslaved families and individuals were separated and sold to satisfy debts and settle estates.

The ad provides the same information as the English version, with the addition of Rachel’s age, 28 years old.

An 1811 ad in French, announcing the sale of Rachel

Another view of the inside of the arcade, taken from the opposite end of the building. A cannon is on display in the space.

View of the Cabildo’s arcade


You are now in front of the Cabildo in Jackson Square. Walk through the open arches at the front of the Cabildo. You are now standing in the Cabildo’s arcade, also known as the portico, or principal, of the Cabildo. This is where slave sales took place. Listen to Track 3 - The Cabildo (above)


Next, walk and listen to Track 3a - Coffee Houses and Commerce.


Directions to Site 4 - St. Louis Hotel

Former site of the St. Louis Hotel (now the Omni Royal Orleans). Walk down Chartres Street towards Canal Street. When you get to St. Louis Street, stop at the corner and stand in front of Napoleon House restaurant, looking back down Chartres Street toward St. Louis Cathedral.

(AUDIO) DIRECTIONS TO ST. LOUIS HOTEL