Gretna Historic District
Gretna, in Jefferson Parish, is home to one of Louisiana's largest national historic districts.
Gretna Historical Society Museum
At a Glance
- Gretna, originally known as Mechanickham, sits just across the Mississippi River from New Orleans and was settled by German immigrants in the 1830s.
- The Gretna Historic District contains hundreds of distinctive properties, including Creole cottages, shotgun houses, railroad stations and churches spanning architectural styles from 1845 to 1935.
- Several of the district's most notable sites are clustered within the Gretna Historical Society Museum complex, all connected to the German immigrant Strehle family.
- The complex includes the Kittie Strehle Home (built 1840), the David Crockett Fire Company and Louisiana State Fire Museum, the Gretna Historical Society Museum and the Gretna Green Blacksmith Shop.
Gretna's Historic District
Just across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, the town of Gretna (originally known as Mechanickham) was settled by German immigrants in the 1830s and retains much of its historic charm. Stroll through hundreds of distinctive properties that comprise the Gretna Historic District, where Creole cottages, shotgun houses, railroad stations and churches reflect an array of architectural styles from 1845 to 1935.
The Gretna Historical Society Museum Complex
Several of Gretna's most notable historic sites are managed by the Gretna Historical Society and are located within the Gretna Historical Society Museum complex.
The Kittie Strehle Home
Start your journey at The Kittie Strehle Home, which anchors this complex. German immigrants Claudius Strehle and Catherine Nousz built the four-room house in 1840, then raised nine children in it. There was an outside stairway to the attic where the children slept. The home is furnished with artifacts from the late 1800s through 1939. The cottage is named after the youngest daughter, who was the last of the family to live in the home. She is a landmark herself by having taught school for more than 55 years and has a school named in her honor.
Catherine Strehle Elementary School
The Catherine Strehle Elementary School is in the community of Avondale. Kittie graduated at age 16 and actually taught school in her home. The boys were in one room and the girls another with an open doorway between them. She also gave piano lessons to the young people of Gretna to supplement her income.
The David Crockett Fire Company and Louisiana State Fire Museum
When the Strehle's purchased the corner, first their home was built and then they sold the next lot to the David Crockett Fire Company. It is now home to the state's oldest volunteer fire company and the Louisiana State Fire Museum. The museum contains firefighter memorabilia from around the entire state.
The Gretna Historical Society Museum
In the rear of the property another cottage was built for one of the sons, Ignatius. It is now the Gretna Historical Society Museum, with displays on the city's mayors, police department, religions and education.
The Gretna Green Blacksmith Shop
Another pride and joy is the building known as the Gretna Green Blacksmith Shop. For group tours, a demonstration on the "art of blacksmithing" is conducted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gretna Historic District?
It's one of Louisiana's largest National Register of Historic Places districts, containing hundreds of properties in Gretna, with architectural styles spanning 1845 to 1935, including Creole cottages, shotgun houses, railroad stations and churches.
What is included in the Gretna Historical Society Museum complex?
The complex includes the Kittie Strehle Home, the David Crockett Fire Company (home to the state's oldest volunteer fire company), the Louisiana State Fire Museum, the Gretna Historical Society Museum and the Gretna Green Blacksmith Shop.
Who was Kittie Strehle?
Kittie Strehle was the youngest daughter of German immigrants Claudius Strehle and Catherine Nousz, who built the family home in 1840. Kittie taught school for more than 55 years, beginning in her own home, and has a school named in her honor: Catherine Strehle Elementary School in Avondale.
What can visitors see at the Louisiana State Fire Museum?
The museum, housed at the historic David Crockett Fire Company building, displays firefighter memorabilia gathered from around the state.
Can visitors see a blacksmithing demonstration?
Yes — group tours to the Gretna Green Blacksmith Shop can include a demonstration of traditional blacksmithing techniques.
When was Gretna settled?
Gretna, originally called Mechanickham, was settled by German immigrants in the 1830s.
