Treme |
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"One of the most historic African-American neighborhoods in the country."
"A wealth of beautiful architecture, all within reach of a modest budget." "What the French Quarter was fifty years ago, Treme is today."
Description
Today, as gentrification moves relentlessly out from the French Quarter, Treme is being seen more and more as a diamond in the rough. And it's a diamond which was spared the worst ravages of Katrina, although some sections did receive moderate flooding. Treme is a neighborhood in transition, which smart investors have already begun to realize. And as the city rebuilds and redraws its footprint, it's a resource New Orleans will come to value more and more: an intact historic neighborhood located on high ground, ready to become home to a community that values its heritage and is eager to embrace its charm and beauty.
History The Faubourg Treme was originally settled by Free People of Color, many of whom fled the island of San Domingue (now Haiti) during that country's revolution. In 1804, for example, some 2000 new residents moved to New Orleans from that embattled island, their numbers split fairly evenly into white citizens, free black citizens, and slaves. These cultured, aristocratic, and proudly clannish gens de couleur libres formed their own elite society, comprising fine craftsmen, musicians, artists and men of property. Unfortunately, after the Civil War, this special caste lost its distinctive status and was forced to accept the same humiliations as former slaves. However, the tradition of artistry, pride and achievement persisted in Treme, which became the birthplace of Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong, and the cradle more recently of our world famous brass bands. In 1898, a section of Treme was set aside as a red light district - the famous Storyville. The district was bounded by N. Basin Street., Robertson Street., St. Louis Street and Iberville Street. Storyville was ironically named for Councilman Sidney Story who promoted legislation to limit "not celebrate" prostitution. Here the great saloons flourished, and jazz was born. The area was finally closed in 1917 and Storyville was later demolished, with the Iberville Housing Project being built on its site.
Landmarks
Backstreet Cultural Museum
City Council Representative
James Carter - District C
Police District New Orleans Police Department - First District
Demographics Primarily African-American, mixed income levels
Architecture Creole cottages predominate with some two-story structures, many early 19th century or earlier
Read More About Treme
The Preservation Resource Center |
Located on the northern border of the French Quarter above Rampart Street, Treme is a uniquely historic neighborhood that's poised to become the next big real estate opportunity in New Orleans. This lovely area of small Creole cottages, many over 200 years old, has remained largely frozen in time due to investor neglect and fears of urban violence. But this neglect has left it intact, and remarkably unchanged from the time when it housed New Orleans' first Free People of Color.
