726 St. Peters St.
New Orleans, LA 70116
29.95829,-90.065392
New Orleans is, without a doubt, known for being the birthplace of jazz, which is one of my personal favorite genres. Local legends such as Fats Domino, Dr. John and Louis Armstrong has ensured that this unique style of music will live on forever. New Orleans is filled with small jazz lounges where locals and tourists alike can enjoy some great local music. The most famous of these venues is none other than the historic Preservation Hall. For years, famed jazz musicians from all over the world consider it a true honor to perform here. Looking at the interior and exterior of this time-weathered building is like looking at an old photograph of days gone by. Every piece of furniture in this establishment, along with the photos on the walls, look like they have been there from the day the building was constructed. There is no stage, no high-tech lighting, and the audience members sit on folding chairs. As one can see, it’s not the amenities that keep Preservation Hall packed every night of the week; it’s the magic made inside the doors by its performers.
The land that the hall sits on was cleared sometime in the mid to late 1700’s. Records indicate that Antoine Faisendieu bought this plot of land from Guillermo Gros in 1803 and built a tavern, selling it in 1809 to Pierre and Barthelemy Jourdain. I have been unable to confirm it, but I wonder if this is the same Pierre Jourdain who later killed himself after losing his home in a card game? In case you don’t remember, this home later became Muriel’s Restaurant. The dates match up perfectly so it could very well have been him. It’s quite amazing how the more I write about New Orleans history, the more I begin to see how the same elite names continue to pop up.
