Our history began in 1805 when a young man, known simply as  Bernard Xavier Philippe de Marigny de Mandeville, subdivided his plantation and sold the first plot of ground. What began as a French-speaking suburb soon overflowed with Caribbean free people of color, German immigrants fleeing political oppression, and Irish folks looking for a better way of life. By the early twentieth century Spanish and Italian immigrants were flocking into this neighborhood. Today the neighborhood is still one of the most colorful and diverse in the city. It’s slightly bohemian atmosphere and affordable housing have made it popular with many of the city’s artists and musicians. There are many hidden treasures hidden among the creole cottages and shotgun homes of our neighborhood. I often walk the neighborhood early in the morning with my camera in tow. Here are a few of my favorite discoveries, with a map below that highlights some of our favorite spots nearby.