Historic Louisiana Architecture
Louisiana has preserved its cultural heritage through architecture.
At a Glance
- Louisiana has almost 1,500 sites on the National Register of Historic Places, many preserving stunning architecture.
- Architectural highlights of Baton Rouge include the Old State Capitol and current Louisiana State Capitol.
- New Orleans neighborhoods like the French Quarter, Garden District and Faubourg Marigny each reflect distinct architectural and cultural influences.
Louisiana is know for holding fast to its cultural heritage. While food and music tend to grab the most attention, Louisiana is also protective of its architectural jewels. In fact, Louisiana has numerous sites on the National Register of Historic Places.
Historic Government Buildings in Baton Rouge
In Baton Rouge, the two state capitol buildings — one from the 19th century and one from the 20th — stand out.
The Old State Capitol was designed by the celebrated architect James Dakin and completed in 1852. This Gothic fairytale edifice occupies a regal position overlooking the Mississippi River and now serves as Louisiana’s Museum of Political History.
The current Louisiana State Capitol, meanwhile, serves as a sort of trademark both for Baton Rouge and state government in general. Like the old capitol, it rejects the standard dome-based construction, but goes for height. The building is a skyscraper, standing nearly as tall as the ego of fabled Governor Huey Long, who saw to its construction in the 1930s. To truly appreciate it, you must climb its steps and observe the details surrounding it at ground level, then enter its richly-appointed lobby.
Stunning Neighborhood Architecture in New Orleans
In the state’s original capital city, New Orleans, there are so many architectural jewels that one must approach it in terms of neighborhoods, rather than individual structures.
The French Quarter
Foremost among these is the original city, known commonly known as the French Quarter or the Vieux Carré, which is perhaps the most historically intact neighborhood of its age in the United States. Its predominant style was heavily influenced by Spanish colonial rule in the last decades of the 1700s: Stucco masonry buildings that stand shoulder-to-shoulder along the street, each with courtyards in the interior.
The Garden District & Other Neighborhoods
New Orleans architect Ken Gowland has studied the architectural development of the city. He says various neighborhoods are emblematic of various time periods and influences, ranging from cultural and historic to geological and climate-oriented. Many historic neighborhoods have raised houses to avoid flooding. Neighborhoods like the Garden District — which boasts one of the finest collections of pre-Civil War mansions in America — are known for tall windows and wide verandas out of respect for the warm climate. Faubourg St. John, meanwhile, contains a smattering of French Caribbean-style plantation houses along Bayou St. John that date to the colonial era.
Other neighborhoods, such as Faubourg Marigny, are built in a Créole fashion and tightly configured to reflect the boundaries of ancient land grants along the river and the scarcity of developable land during that swampy era. “It’s serendipity,” Gowland says. “The housing styles are extremely different from one area to the next.”
More Louisiana Architecture Across the State
Another of the state’s oldest settlements, Natchitoches, is similar to New Orleans, but much quieter. It has a French Quarter-style downtown and a lovely collection of mansions just beyond. Communities throughout the state are rich in historic architecture, from the Charpentier Historic District of Lake Charles to beautiful, well-preserved structures across north Louisiana. Take time to explore and you will be well-rewarded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main architectural styles found in Louisiana?
Louisiana’s historic architecture reflects French, Spanish, Creole, Caribbean, American and other cultural influences. Common examples include French and Spanish colonial architecture, Creole cottages, shotgun houses, Greek Revival homes, plantation architecture and Victorian-era buildings.
What is Louisiana Creole architecture?
Louisiana Creole architecture is a distinctive architectural tradition shaped by the state’s many cultural influences. Creole buildings often feature features suited to Louisiana’s hot, humid climate, including raised structures, galleries or wide porches, high roofs and courtyards. Creole cottages and shotgun houses are two recognizable examples.
Where can I see historic architecture in Louisiana?
Historic architecture can be found throughout Louisiana, including in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Natchitoches, Lake Charles and communities along the Mississippi River and Cane River. Notable areas include New Orleans’ French Quarter, Garden District and Faubourg Marigny; downtown Natchitoches; and the Charpentier Historic District in Lake Charles.
What type of architecture is found in New Orleans' French Quarter?
The French Quarter is known for historic buildings influenced heavily by Spanish colonial architecture. Many buildings feature stucco masonry construction, buildings positioned closely along the street and interior courtyards.
What is a shotgun house in Louisiana?
A shotgun house is a narrow, typically one-story home with rooms arranged in a linear sequence. Shotgun houses remain an important part of Louisiana’s architectural heritage.
Where can I see historic architecture in New Orleans?
The French Quarter is known for its Spanish-influenced historic buildings and courtyards, while the Garden District is recognized for its collection of pre-Civil War mansions. Faubourg Marigny features Creole-influenced architecture, and Faubourg St. John includes historic French Caribbean-style homes.
What are some historic homes and plantations to visit in Louisiana?
Visitors can explore historic homes and plantations along the Great River Road and elsewhere in Louisiana. Examples include Destrehan Plantation, Laura Plantation, Oak Alley, Houmas House, St. Joseph Plantation and historic properties in the Cane River National Heritage Area.
