More than a place to fest or paddleboard, Bayou St. John, has a rich history and several surprising facts! Here are some interesting and surprising facts about Bayou St. John that most people don't know:
1. Ancient Waterway: Bayou St. John is one of the oldest man-made waterways in North America. It was originally a natural bayou but was later expanded and dredged by Native Americans to improve its navigability. Natives would use the bayou and a naturally occurring ridge to travel from the lake to the river. That ridge today is known as Esplanade Ridge!
2. Historic Transportation Route: The bayou served as a major transportation route for Native Americans, early European settlers, and, later, the French and Spanish colonists. It connected Lake Pontchartrain to the Mississippi River, making it a crucial waterway for trade and commerce. By 1727 the population along Bayou Saint John totaled 121, making it one of New Orleans's oldest neighborhoods.
3. Importance to New Orleans' Founding: The bayou played a significant role in the founding of New Orleans. In 1718, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, the founder of New Orleans, chose the location for the city because of the strategic importance of Bayou St. John as a link between the lake and the river. It was far easier to find the entrance to the bay that is Lake Pontchartrain than it was to locate the meandering mouth of the Mississippi. And the current was kinder too!
4. Former Route for Mardi Gras Parades: In the early days of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the bayou served as a primary route for the city's Mardi Gras parades. Floats and participants would travel along the bayou by boat! That may be why we call them floats.
5. Home to Historic Landmarks: Bayou St. John is surrounded by several historic landmarks. At the bayou's mouth, you can find the Old Spanish Custom House, which is now a private residence. There is also the Pitot House, a Creole colonial-style house that serves as a museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1779, Pitot is older than most of the buildings in the French Quarter!
6. Role in Jazz History: Bayou St. John has had a notable influence on the development of jazz music in New Orleans. Many jazz musicians, including Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton, lived and performed in the neighborhoods surrounding the bayou, contributing to the city's vibrant jazz culture. The next time you've got writer's block, settle in for some think time at the Bayou.
7. Ecology and Wildlife: The bayou is home to diverse flora and fauna. It supports a variety of wildlife, including birds, turtles, alligators, and fish species. It is also a critical nesting area for the great blue heron!
How many of these surprising facts did you already know? Bayou St John is more than a fun place to unwind, fest, and get your kayak on. It's also a cherished landmark and vital to our local ecology.
Thinking of calling the Bayou St John neighborhood of New Orleans home? We can help. Team Cool Murphy has sold multiple historic homes in the area and love every moment we spend in the area. Let us help you find your next dream home in Bayou St John.
Voted Neighborhood Favorite by Nextdoor, Team Cool Murphy is a top-producing, licensed real estate team based in New Orleans, brokered by Cool Murphy, LLC.
Celebrated for her next-level creative approach to real estate, Elisa Cool Murphy is an award-winning, top-performing agent in New Orleans and the founder and leader of Cool Murphy, LLC.
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email: cool@coolmurphy.com
Facebook: @homeinneworleans
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phone: 504-321-3194
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