Visit These Historic Black Sites

When it comes to the must-see historic sites in New Orleans and the surrounding areas, like most things in this city, it can be difficult to locate where the places essential to New Orleans’ West African and Carribean roots can be found. Luckily, we’ve done the digging for you! From the physical birthplace of jazz to one of the only plantation tours in the nation to tell the story from the perspective of those enslaved, New Orleans is indeed a treasure trove of locations that positively hum with the breath of our Ancestors. That said, we will begin with one of the most sacred places in the city: Louis Armstrong Park in the Tremé.

Louis Armstrong Park

Sculptures of Jazz Legends

The iconic illuminated archway on North Rampart street, the first border lakeside from the French Quarter, is almost ubiquitous when it comes to sites people equate with New Orleans. With the name of one of the biggest jazz legends in history lighting up the entrance to the oldest Black neighborhood in the nation, it is little wonder that this is one of the most photographed locations in New Orleans. 

Wander among the sculptures of the Foreparents of the only true artform to come from America, the music that at one time could only be enjoyed in the city of New Orleans itself. Visit the likenesses of Mahalia Jackson, Buddy Bolden, Satchmo himself, and more. Once you’ve experienced that, you can circle back to my number one most favorite place in the world, Congo Square. 

Congo Square

This is the portion of Armstrong Park that is directly to the left of the main entrance. This is arguably the most hallowed ground in the nation. Drum circles began here on Sundays, dating back as early as 1724. Alongside these rhythmic gatherings was the trading of wares from those enslaved with Native Americans. Worship services were held, marriages between the enslaved were conducted, and some of the most important aspects of New Orleans culture were born. 

The Sunday drum circles continue to this day, beginning at 3 p.m. CST (though, keep in mind this is 3 p.m. West African/Caribbean time which means by 3:30 p.m. they should at least be warming up). These circles are open to the public, and free to attend. It is customary, however, that a basket will be passed to support the Congo Square Preservation Society, in addition to artists selling their wares, similarly to the way one might imagine they used to from the 1700s. Bring cash so you can support these culture bearers, and maybe even come home with a tangible treat to remind yourself of the time you spent at what is quite possibly the epicenter of race relations in America. 

St. Augustine’s Catholic Church

St. Augustine’s on Governor Nicholls St. in the Tremé is an easy two-block walk from Armstrong Park. Not only is this one of the oldest Black churches in the nation, but it houses one of the most holy gems to be visited by the living Ancestors of the enslaved: The Tomb of the Unknown Slave. It can be found alongside the church, complete with a large anchor that makes up a crucifix and manacles hanging from it that were used on the enslaved in this very city. In addition, one can view two metal crosses sticking out of the ground around the base of the anchor. These are the last vestiges of the slave cemetery that used to be on the other side of the church.

It is not at all uncommon for people to leave flowers and fruit at the Tomb as offerings, so keep that in mind when you are preparing your visit to this holy place. 

Holt Cemetery

527 City Park Ave.

New Orleans, LA 70119

Originally a potter’s field, Dr. Joseph Holt officially established the cemetery in 1879. Primarily used for the burial of African-Americans, the families who laid their loved ones to rest there were only charged the digging fee. Responsible for the upkeep of their own plots, Holt Cemetery is unique in many ways, not the least of which being that all of the burials are in ground. While above ground tombs are not the rule in New Orleans, our above ground cemeteries are most often what tourists come to visit.

The cemetery is also the final resting place of Buddy Bolden. Bolden is the father of jazz, who met the end of his days in poverty, which was not uncommon for many jazz musicians in the late 19th-early 20th centuries. He was originally buried in an unmarked grave, but has since been given his own marker in the beautifully rustic cemetery as of 1988.

Amistad Research Center 

6823 St. Charles Ave.

New Orleans, LA 70118

504-862-3222

Winner of the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the Amistad Research Center houses archives that include the contributions of farmers, educators, artists, musicians, authors, entrepreneurs, and more. The breadth of the resources made available to its visitors makes the Research Center one of the most important visits any history enthusiast can experience.

The collections available from this trove of archives are invaluable. From the history of race relations, civil rights and the contributions of underrepresented populations in New Orleans to LGBTQ historical resources, this site is a must-see for bibliophiles and history buffs alike. 

Bayou Road 

North Miro St. & Esplanade Ave.

New Orleans, LA 70119

The oldest street in New Orleans, Bayou Road, is over 300 years old. Originally created to facilitate connection between the Mississippi River and Bayou St. John, today it is home to many of the Black-owned businesses in the city. From cuisine to fashion, books to churches, Bayou Road has secured its place in New Orleans as a new kind of bridge: one that connects the Black community with its West African and Carribean foundations.

Bayou Road is home to a gentlemen’s spa, keeping alive the age-old tradition of Black men and their pride in aesthetics. A few doors down, one can find the most delicious Jamaican Cuisine at the Coco Hut, sure to sate the appetite of anyone craving a hearty meal. Whiskey and Sticks offers top-of-the-line adult beverages, and all on the oldest road in New Orleans. Carve out some time in your schedule to visit Bayou Road during your stay, and you are sure to be pleasantly surprised. 

Providence Park Cemetery

8200 Airline Dr.

Metairie, LA 70003

504-464-0541

The final resting place of Mahalia Jackson, Providence Park Cemetery is a must-see for gospel enthusiasts. A perpetual care cemetery, the grounds are noticeably well kept and beautifully manicured, especially when compared to the state of the rest of the cemeteries in New Orleans. The wealthiest cemetery in the state, it is no wonder that this is where the Queen of Gospel was laid to her final rest. 

Largely considered the “voice” of the Civil Rights Movement, Mahalia Jackson was born and raised in New Orleans, relocating to Chicago in the 1920s. Also one of the biggest financiers of the Movement, Jackson’s record sales put her in the position to help make some of the changes she wanted to see in her homeland. Though she passed away in Chicago, three days after her Northern funeral, her remains were brought back to New Orleans for her final send-off. Providence Park Cemetery is where you can pay your respects to the Queen of Gospel. 

Whitney Plantation

5099 Louisiana Hwy. 18

Edgard, LA 70049

225-265-3300

Though an hour’s ride outside of New Orleans proper, the Whitney Plantation is one of the most pivotal visits a POC can make when in the state of Louisiana. One of the only plantation tours in the nation to tell the story from the point of view of the enslaved, it is an expertly curated historical voyage that is unparalleled by any other plantation tour.

While the majority of plantation tours in Louisiana gloss over the fact of chattel slavery that made these plantations so prosperous, the Whitney exists solely to pay hommage to, and share the unabridge history of the West Africans who were brought to the port of New Orleans in bondage in 1719. Admittedly not a light-hearted attraction, it is guaranteed to fill your soul with the missing pieces many of us search for, and have yet to find. 

Note: Since Hurricane Ida, they have had to resort to virtual tours. Call ahead to make sure they’ve resumed in-person visits. 

Laura Plantation

2247 Hwy. 18

Vacherie, LA 70090

888-799-7690

Just over one hour outside of New Orleans proper, a trip to Laura Plantation is well worth it. Listed as Louisiana’s Creole Heritage Site, it is important to note that the term “Creole” is, in and of itself, a multifaceted one. The original translation of the word simply meant, “of the colonies”- it indicated you were born here, your parents were born in France (French Creole.) If you were born here, your parents were born in Spain, you were Spanish Creole. By this original definition, that meant that the descendants of the West Africans who were captured and enslaved, brought to the port of New Orleans in bondage in 1719, were “West African Creole.” 

Due to the fact that POC began to describe themselves with the term “Creole” as well, Caucasians did not want to be confused with POC. So over the last 200 years or so, Creole has become almost synonymous with “mixed race person of Color”- though if you’re talking to someone in or from Louisiana, it can mean any or all of the above.

Laura Plantation is also known for incorporating an accurate account of the lives of enslaved people in their tours, and is a good substitute for the Whitney. 

Lutheran Benevolent Society Cemetery

1735 Eddie Robinon Sr. Dr.

Baton Rouge, LA 70802

225-241-4533

The longest trek from New Orleans on this list, the Lutheran Benevolent Society Cemetery is just under a 90-minute drive. An essential part of the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail, one of the original incorporators of this society was Beverly Victor Baranco, a member of a prominent African-American family that established itself as such as early as 1872. 

Though many laid to rest in the cemetery were Lutheran, the Society itself was non-denominational, largely functioning as a Social Aid and Pleasure Club. These were organizations in Louisiana that served not only to bring the community together, but to pay dues and share in the easing of financial strains various members may encounter from time to time. A predecessor to insurance, the Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs took care of each other, while also creating space for Civil Rights training to take place behind the scenes.