Many researchers insist the oldest building, not only in New Orleans but in the entire Mississippi Valley, is the house of Jean Pascal. The house is also known as “Madame John’s Legacy”. It is one of the reasons millions of visitors come to the French Quarter each year.
Defenders of the present building’s antiquity think it was erected in 1726 and consider it an excellent example of Louisiana-Creole residential design. A design style reminiscent of what is known as West Indian architecture. The style is unique in that its designed to take advantage of the ocean breeze in a tropical environment. Characteristics of the style are defined by columns, louvers, railings, large wooden verandas and shutters to protect the windows during a storm.
The nickname of this house, “Madame John’s Legacy”, derives from a fictional short story, “The Poulette”, by New Orleans late 1800s writer George Washington Cable. In the story, the lead character Monsieur John bequeaths a Dumaine Street house to his mistress, Madame John.
The current owner, the Louisiana State Museum, renovated the structure and furnished it with furniture and fixtures of that period. This makes it a delightful house to visit in the French Quarter. Admission to the museum is free.
The house is located near the corner of Royal Street and Dumaine Street. On Dumaine Street walk towards the river to the second house on your right, number 632.
This is only one of many unique buildings and sites experienced on the SelfTour™ “French Quarter” GPS guided walking tour App. For more information contact SelfTour.Guide.
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