Le Vieux Carre de la Nouvelle Orleans

Rare and attractive pictorial map of New Orleans.

This scarce map showcases the historical, cultural, and natural melange that makes The Big Easy one of the most unique destinations in the country. A border of local attractions includes looming plantation homes, Mardi Gras, and several parks entwined in elaborate cast iron scrollwork typical of the city’s walls and gates.

The map’s image is surrounded by sites of five forts used to guard the important port over the years, and illustrations of prominent buildings and city fixtures like bottle collectors, chimney sweeps and food vendors can be found between each city block. Several boats highlighting the long transportation history of the Mississippi can be seen in the water.

The map drew from information in “Old New Orleans” by Stanley Arthur and was drawn by Myra Zimmerman Barnes, and while it is a quaint representation of New Orleans, it also reflects contemporary stereotypical attitudes that were common throughout the United States.