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Unrecorded map of New Orleans and Lafayette, Louisiana (subsequently annexed into New Orleans), identifying features within the First, Second and Third Municipalities of New Orelans and the City of Lafayette in a key below the map.
The map provides nice detail along the Mississippi River, showing the wharves, steamship landings, Cotton Presses, etc. A number of Streets and public buildings are named and 4 ferry lines are shown. The Mexican Gulf Railroad, Carrollton Railroad and Pontechtrain Railroad are also shown.
The map is projected on the same model as Norman's Plan of New Orleans, published in 1845, but would appear to be earlier, as there are streets and neighborhoods shown on the Norman map which do not appear on the map we offer here.
The former city of Lafayette in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana was absorbed into New Orleans in 1852, so the map was almost certainly published prior 1852. We note the following additional clues as to the date of the map:
- The Lafayette Boys Orphan Asylum was given its tax exempt status in 1836
- Washington Market was constructed in 1838 and became a jail in the Third Municipality in 1844.
- The New Orelans Mint first operated from 1838 to 1861 (and 1879 to 1909).
- The Exchange Hotel was built in 1837, burned in 1841 and was rebuilt shortly thereafter.
- The St. Charles Theatre was built in 1834, burned in 1842 and was rebuilt in 1843.
- The American Theatre opened in November, 1840 and burned in 1842. According to one reference, it was poorly rebuilt and was gone again by 1854
- There is no mention of the Jewish Synagogue formed in 1845, which appears on Williams map of 1849.
- Belle Ville does not appear (east of Algiers), whereas it appears on the 1849 Williams Map.
The most conclusive dating evidence suggests that the map was printed between late 1840 (the American Theater opened in late 1840) and 1844 (the creation of the Jail at Washington Market). There is no mention of the Third Municipality Jail at Washington Market, although there is a Parish Jail and a Prison noted in the First Municipality and a Jail listed in Lafayette.
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