feet in diameter, surmounts the octagon building, elevated upon an
order of fluted columns, which stand eleven feet from the dome, around
the outside, and on the dome is elevated an elegant little Corinthian
turret. There is a large circular room under the dome, on the floor of
which the spiral stair-case terminates, and around the outside of
which the circular colonade forms a beautiful gallery eleven feet
wide, from whence can be seen the whole city, and all the windings of
the river for several miles in each direction. The effect of the dome
upon the sight of the visitor, as he approaches the city, is similar
to that of St. Paul's, London.
No better evidence can be adduced--nor more flattering encomiums
presented to the architects, than the fact of the indescribable effect
of the sublime and matchless proportions of this building upon all
spectators--even the stoical Indian and the cold and strange
backwoodsman, when they first view it, are struck with wonder and
delight. The view of this structure by moonlight is a sight not easily
described. The furnishing of this establishment cost $150,000.
[Illustration]
THE VERANDAH
So called from being covered on its front toward the streets, to a
certain height, by a projecting roof and balcony, is situated at the
corner of St. Charles and Common streets, diagonally opposite the
Exchange Hotel. The building was intended for a family hotel, by its
enterprising projector and builder, the late R. O. Pritchard.
The great dining room, is, probably, one of the most highly finished
apartments in America. The ceiling, especially, is a model; being
composed of three elliptic domes for chandeliers. This room measures
eighty-five by thirty-two feet, and twenty-seven high. The chimney
pieces of the ladies' parlors are fine specimens of sculpture, and the
rooms are otherwise handsome. The sleeping apartments are not
excelled. The whole was designed and constructed by Dakin & Dakin,
architects, in 1836-8, at a cost of $300,000, including the ground.
ST. LOUIS HOTEL
This building, as a hotel, may be considered as one of the most
respectable in New Orleans. It stands nearly in the centre of the
French portion of the population; and, in the combination of its
brilliant and business-like appearance, is not an inappropriate
representative of their national character. In this establishment the
_utile et dulci_ are so happily blended, that the accomplished guest
can find no cause of complaint. A more particular description of this
superb edifice is omitted here, in consequence of its being given
under the head of the City Exchange, to which the reader is
respectfully referred.
HEWLETT'S HOTEL
This is a large and well-constructed building, on the corner of Camp
and Common streets. It has been long known as a hotel, but, during the
last year, has been opened, under new auspices, by the gentleman whose
name has become associated with that of the house. The position is
airy, healthy and central, and the table is said to be unexcelled.
* * * * *
The Planters' Hotel, in Canal street, and the National Hotel, in
Tchoupitoulas street, are both good houses; and the prices being less,
they are sought after by those who wish to economise their expenses.
There are several other respectable establishments, of which, like
those last named, the limits of these pages will not permit a
particular description.
* * * * *
THE GAS WORKS
Occupy a square fronting on St. Mary street four hundred and
sixty-seven feet, with a depth of two hundred and thirty-five feet on
Gravier and Perdido streets; which is enclosed by a substantial brick
wall fourteen feet high. The site was selected by James H. Caldwell,
Esq., to whom New Orleans is mainly indebted for this great
undertaking, as well as for many others which stand as lasting
eulogiums to his memory. In 1834, the original works were put in
operation. Mr. Caldwell, at this time, had the exclusive privilege of
lighting the city for thirty years. His were the fourth gas works in
the Union, and the first west of the mountains. The first wrought-iron
roof in this country, was erected over the retort house by Mr. C., and
has served as a model for all since built. The largest cast iron tank
ever constructed was also put up by him. It is fifty-one feet diameter
and eighteen deep, and contains over two hundred thousand gallons of
water. In 1835 Mr. Caldwell disposed of this property to the Gas Light
and Banking Company; who, finding the buildings insufficient,
constructed them anew. The present establishment was planned and
erected under the superintendence of David John Rogers, in whose care
it still continues to prosper. The works, finished in 1837, cost
$150,000. The whole present value is $650,000.
These consist of a retort house on Gravier street, one hundred and
seventeen by eighty feet, and parallel to which is the purifying
house, one hundred and seventeen by fifty-two feet. On the rear is the
chimney, constructed to resemble Trajan's pillar, one hundred and
seven feet high; and presents a chaste specimen of classical
architecture. There are three fifty feet gasometers, arranged along in
the centre of the premises, capable of containing thirty thousand
cubic feet each, built after the most approved workmanship, and
considered to be superior to any others in this country. On Perdido
street is a three story dwelling, thirty by seventy-five feet, for the
workmen. The coal shed is one hundred and ninety by fifty-two feet. In
addition to these are the blacksmith, carpenter, and other shops,
necessary for advantageously conducting so extensive a business. The
structures are all fire-proof, and every thing is kept in the neatest
possible condition.
In addition to the works already described, and immediately in front
of them, embracing nearly another square, two more gasometers, of
equal dimensions, together with the accompanying buildings, have been
constructed during 1844-5. These will enable the company to transmit
the gas through a distance of one hundred and fifty miles of pipe,
sufficient for the accommodation of a half million of persons.
The gas is extracted from Pittsburgh coal--after which the coke is
sold for fuel, at about half the price that is asked for the original
coal.
[Illustration]
THE WATER WORKS
In 1833, a company was incorporated under the title of the "Commercial
Bank of New Orleans," the principal object of which was to supply the
city with pure water from the Mississippi river. To effect this
object, an artificial mound was constructed on the square comprised
within Richard, Market, John the Baptist and Religious streets,
consisting of seventy thousand cubic yards of earth, taken from the
batture (deposit) of the river. The work was completed during 1834-5.
The reservoir is constructed on the top of this mound. It is two
hundred and fifty feet square, built of brick, and divided into four
compartments, measuring each one hundred and eighteen feet in the
clear. The walls and bottoms forming the reservoir, are built with
brick, and plastered with hydraulic cement. A pavilion of an octagonal
form has been erected on the intersection of the partition walls,
supported by eight pillars. It is about fifteen feet wide and ten
high, and affords quite a commanding and pleasant prospect.
The reservoir is supplied with water from the Mississippi river, by
plunge pumps, worked by a condensing engine, acting expansively on
Bolton and Watt's plan. These pumps were adopted as the most
efficacious, on account of the great quantity of matter held in
suspension by the water. They are connected to a suction pipe sixteen
inches in diameter, and about eight hundred feet long; and to the
main, descending into the reservoir, sixteen inches in diameter and
six hundred feet long. The cylinder is twenty-five inches in diameter
and six feet stroke, and is calculated to raise three millions gallons
of water in twenty-four hours. The engine and pump houses are built of
brick, and are situated on the lot forming the corner of Tchoupitoulas
and Richard streets.
The water is distributed through cast iron pipes, capable of
sustaining a pressure of water of three hundred feet head. They vary
from eighteen to six inches in diameter for the mains--but the
greater part of them consist of the larger sizes, which have numerous
ramifications of less dimensions. There are two mains from the
reservoir; one of eighteen, the other of twelve inches bore, which are
gradually reduced in size as the distance becomes greater from the
source, or as circumstances may require. In 1836, water was first
pumped into the reservoir. It can be delivered in the upper part of
the city twenty-one feet, and in the lower sections, twenty-seven feet
above the level of the soil.
The daily average consumption of water, during the year 1844, was one
million gallons; and, from the comparative great capacity of the
reservoir, sufficient time is allowed for the water to settle, in one
of the four compartments, before it is drawn for the use of the city.
Much good might be achieved by a more enlarged operation of these
works. The water is capable of being made fit for all domestic
purposes, thus obviating the necessity for cisterns, the birthplace of
millions of moschetoes, and, possibly the source of much sickness. For
the purposes of bathing it is almost indispensable; and, for forming
fountains, to cleanse the streets and to purify and cool the air, it
may be rendered equally a convenience, a luxury, and an
embellishment.
ARMORIES
A room has been fitted up in Camp street, for which the substantial
and well constructed walls of the old Camp street Theatre have been
used--a building erected by James H. Caldwell, Esq., in 1822. This
apartment, used as an armory for the Washington Battalion, is sixty by
one hundred and twenty feet, and twenty-two feet high, and is
decidedly one of the largest in New Orleans.
Another armory is located at the corner of Perdido and Baronne
streets, in the upper part of the Carrolton Rail-Road depot. Both of
these armories are the depositories of arms, all kept in the best
order, and disposed in various tasteful forms.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
There are in New Orleans, fifteen engine, three hose, and one hook and
ladder--in all nineteen companies. The city may justly boast of the
energy and efficiency of this arm of safety. The members are exempt
from military and jury duty; and, after a certain term, are enrolled
as honorary members, who are free from the performance of further
service. The expenses of the department are defrayed by appropriations
from the municipalities, and from fines imposed upon delinquent
members.
The courage and bearing of these companies during a conflagration, are
much to be admired. They proceed with that cool and determined spirit
that shows a consciousness of their power in subduing the destructive
element. An excellent and convenient supply of water, which is always
at command, enables them promptly to extinguish the most dangerous
fire.
MANUFACTURES
In New Orleans, have, until recently been but little known. There are
now however, several actively employed and well patronised branches of
the manufacturing business; which, if not calculated to compete with
those in other markets, answer a very good purpose for its own.
THE IRON FOUNDRY
Of Messrs. Leeds & Co. produces every variety of machinery, that
steamboats and manufactories require for extensive operations. It has
been established many years, at the corner of Foucher and Delord
streets, occupies nearly a whole square, and is on as extensive a
scale as any in the country. The business-like and prompt system
practiced by the conductors, is known to all who require their aid
upon the whole line of the Mississippi and its tributaries.
STEAM PLANING MILL
Upon Carondelet Walk, has been in successful operation over four
years. Lumber is landed from Carondelet Canal, which passes in front
of the building.
STEAM SAW MILLS
Of these there are two; one located in the third municipality, the
other five miles below the city, and both upon the banks of the river.
They can furnish lumber of almost any description in abundance.
ROPE WALKS
There are several of these, in different parts of the city, where
cordage may be manufactured, to any extent, demanded by the business
of the place.
Besides these there are several Flour Mills, a Paper Mill, Sugar
Refinery, Cotton Factories, &c., all in successful operation.
* * * * *
THE COTTON PRESSES
This is the place of all others, for these extensive buildings, which,
generally, occupy a square, and sometimes more. They are numerous and
extensive establishments. A brief description of two of the most
prominent, will serve for the whole, as they very much resemble each
other in their construction.
THE LEVEE COTTON PRESS
Erected by a company under that name, was completed in 1832, at a cost
of $500,000. No architectural effect was aimed at in the facade, which
is, however, neat and plain. This establishment can press about
200,000 bales per annum.
[Illustration]
THE ORLEANS COTTON PRESS
This vast establishment fronts on the Mississippi, running back on
Roffignac and New Levee streets. The ground occupied is six hundred
and thirty-two by three hundred and eight feet, and is nearly covered
by the buildings. The whole was built according to designs made by
Charles F. Zimpel, begun in 1833, and completed in 1835, at a cost,
including the site, of $753,558. The front on the river, although
having no pretensions to architectural effect, is still, from its
location and extent, quite impressive. This press can store
twenty-five thousand bales of cotton; and compresses, on an average,
one hundred and fifty thousand bales per annum; but its capacity is
much greater.
* * * * *
BANKS
LOUISIANA STATE BANK
This building was erected in 1822, at a cost, including the ground, of
$55,000. The plan was from Latrobe, and Benjamin Fox the architect. It
stands on the corner of Royal and Bienville streets, and presents
rather a plain but neat external appearance. It is most substantially
built; the lower story is heavily arched, and the banking apartments
are completely fire-proof. Capital, $2,000,000.
THE MECHANICS' AND TRADERS' BANK
Is situated on Canal street, occupying only an ordinary house,
compared to some others, and requires no particular description.
Capital, $2,000,000.
[Illustration]
THE CITY BANK
Is a building of the Ionic order, situated in Camp, near Canal street,
and designed by W. L. Atkinson, architect. Its construction was
commenced in 1837, and finished in 1838, under the superintendence of
J. Gallier, at a cost of about $50,000. The banking room is admired
for its elegant simplicity. Capital, $2,000,000.
THE GAS BANK
This building, in St. Charles street, between Canal and Common
streets, is so closely squeezed in among others, that it has little
opportunity to show off the beauty it possesses. It was erected in
1839, under the superintendence of Sidel & Stewart, at an expense of
about $25,000, ground $25,000, making $50,000, and is every way well
calculated for a banking house. The original capital was $4,000,000,
but it was reduced to $180,000, and by request of the stockholders,
the banking privileges have been withdrawn by an act of the
Legislature of 1845.
THE CANAL BANK
Has its entrance in the centre of the front on Magazine street, of a
substantial granite building which stands on that and the corner of
Gravier street. That portion of the edifice is very tastefully
arranged after the designs of Dakin, the architect. It was erected in
1845. The residue of the structure is used for stores. Capital,
$4,000,000.
[Illustration]
THE BANK OF LOUISIANA
Is a fine Ionic building at the south-west corner of Royal and Conti
streets, surrounded by a handsome court. The whole edifice is well
arranged, the banking room in particular, is admired for its good
architectural effect, being 60 feet square, and of a proportionate
height, with a fine gallery above. It was commenced by Bickle, Hamlet
and Fox, builders, in 1826, and finished the following year, at a
cost of $80,000. Capital, $4,000,000.
BANKS' ARCADE
Occupies the front of a square on Magazine street, between Gravier and
Natchez streets, having a main entrance, from each of those last
named, to the Arcade, which divides the building through the whole
length--being three stories high, and covered in with glass, to
exclude rain and admit the light. In the lower and second stories, are
offices of almost all descriptions--and the third is appropriated
mostly to sleeping rooms.
The bar room, opening on Magazine street, is 100 by 60 feet, and 35 in
height. It is handsomely embellished, has a gallery surrounding the
upper story, and is a popular place for public meetings. It will
accommodate 5,000 people on such occasions. This building stands in
the centre of business, and, consequently, is a place of great resort
for merchants and others. Erected by Thomas Banks in 1833, Charles
Zimple, architect.
* * * * *
[Illustration]
CITY EXCHANGE
This magnificent edifice, which is one of the greatest ornaments of
the city, fronts on three streets--about 300 feet on St. Louis, and
120 each on Royal and Chartres street--the building being intended by
the projectors to combine the convenience of a city exchange, hotel,
bank, large ball rooms, and private stores.
The principal facade, on St. Louis street, may be generally described
as being composed of the Tuscan and Doric orders. The main entrance is
formed by six columns of the composite Doric order. Through this
portico, access is had to the vestibule of the Exchange, a handsome,
though simple hall, 127 by 40 feet. This room is appropriated to
general business, and constantly open during waking hours. You pass
through this into one of the most beautiful rotundas in America, which
is devoted exclusively to business, and is open from noon to three
o'clock P. M. This fine room is surrounded by arcades and galleries,
always open to the public, (Sundays excepted,) and its general
appearance cannot fail to impress upon the mind a most favorable idea
of its grandeur and beauty. The dome is most tastefully laid off in
compartments, within which the magic pencils of Canova and Pinoli have
portrayed allegorical scenes and the busts of eminent Americans, in
rich fresco--a style of painting comparatively new in the United
States. The floors of the gallery which engird the rotunda, and the
winding stairs leading to them, are of iron.
By a side entrance on St. Louis street, access is obtained to the
second story; the front of which, on this street, is occupied by a
suite of ball rooms and their dependencies. The great ball room is
magnificent in its size and decorations. The building also has a
capacious entrance on Royal street, as a hotel that can accommodate
200 persons. At the corner of Chartres street are the public baths. In
the spring of 1840 this building was nearly burnt down--but, in less
than two years, it was completely restored to its original splendor.
[Illustration]
THE COMMERCIAL EXCHANGE
This edifice is now being erected upon the south west corner of St.
Charles and Perdido streets, fronting one hundred and three feet upon
the former, and running one hundred upon the latter. The main part of
the building is to be constructed of brick and stuccoed; the upper
portion is purely Corinthian the lower entirely Tuscan. The principal
entrance on St. Charles street, is by a portico supported by two Ionic
pillars, and the same number of pilastres, composed of granite. The
vestibule is eleven feet deep, which admits visitors by three separate
doors into the exchange saloon, the most spacious apartment of the
kind in the United States; it being seventy by one hundred feet, and
twenty seven to the ceiling, which is supported by twelve well
arranged and substantial pillars. At the rear of this public room are
two others, intended for the accommodation of auctioneers, leaving
only sufficient space on the left for the necessary offices and access
to the second floor.
The structure shows three stories in front--on the second of which is
the news room, expressly arranged for the occupation of the New
Orleans Reading Room. This apartment is fifty-five by eighty-three
feet, and thirty-seven to the ceiling; and is lighted by thirty-six
windows. A portico, with a recess of eleven feet, occupies the
immediate front, supporting the pediment by two Corinthian pillars,
and an equal number of pilastres. Two rooms are set apart in
connection with this establishment, one for the accommodation of
captains of vessels, and one for that of sugar-brokers. On each side
of the news-room are ranges of offices, to which admission is obtained
by corridors on the inner side. Immediately over these, the third
floor is arranged in the same manner. The intention of the company,
under whose auspices this exchange is building, is, to furnish to the
mercantile community a place solely for the transaction of business,
similar to Lloyd's of London. There are to be no liquors sold on the
premises. Mr. Gallier is the architect, and builder, and the building
and land cost $90,000.
[Illustration]
THE MERCHANTS' EXCHANGE
Fronting on Royal street and Exchange Place, was erected by a joint
stock company in 1835-6, from the designs and under the
superintendence of Mr. Dakin, architect. Both fronts are of marble, in
a plain and bold style. The cost of the erection was $100,000.
THE MERCHANTS' READING ROOM
Entrance from Royal street and Exchange Place. This reading room
occupied a spacious apartment in the second story of the Merchants'
Exchange, and is under the patronage and control of the company
interested in that building. It is generally supplied with most of the
newspapers of the country, and has received a patronage quite equal to
the extent of its accommodations.
THE NEW ORLEANS READING ROOMS
Occupy the second story of a spacious building on the corner of Common
and St. Charles streets, opposite the Exchange and Verandah hotels.
This is an enterprise started upon the plan of Galignani's, in Paris,
and Lloyd's, in London--professing to supply the earliest commercial
and general information. The fixtures are arranged with a degree of
neatness and convenience that is extremely gratifying to the stranger,
who has a spare hour to devote to reading. Here he can peruse the
latest papers, not only from almost every section of the United
States, but English, French, German, Mexican, Irish, Scotch, and
Colonial, together with all the periodicals, to his heart's content.
The merchant can see the prices current from nearly every part of the
world; arrivals and departures of vessels and of travellers--sales of
the great staples and merchandise and their prices, and many such
matters of interest to the business man.
* * * * *
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
In each parish, have heretofore been placed under the management of a
board of five administrators, who reported annually to the secretary
of state the condition of those under their direction. This system has
been adhered to, till very recently, in the first and third
municipalities. In the second a change took place in 1841, which has
proved to be so complete a revolution, is attended with such important
results to this large portion of the city, and so extended its
influence even to the neighboring parishes, that it is referred to
with a degree of pleasure which can only be surpassed by our pride in
its success.
In accordance with an act of the legislature, approved the 14th of
February, 1841, authorizing the municipalities of New Orleans to
establish public schools, the authorities of the second municipality
set themselves at work with a will. They selected twelve of their
fellow-citizens as a board of directors for public schools, together
with a standing committee on public education, to whom were granted
almost unlimited powers.
Zealous of acquitting themselves with honor, they at once looked to
the fountain head, to New England, where the best schools in the
country existed, and secured the aid of Mr. J. A. Shaw, who was
perfectly conversant with all the improvements, and placed this
efficient gentleman at the head of the department as superintendent.
From a despairing beginning, in less than one year, the prospect
seemed to be most cheering. Commencing with only thirteen children of
each sex, it increased, in two years, to ten hundred and sixty-one in
actual attendance--and nearly double that number enrolled.