1850 House facts for kids
Furniture on display
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| Established | 1850 |
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| Location | New Orleans |
| Type | Antebellum row house |
| Architect | James Gallier, Sr. |
The 1850 House is a special museum in New Orleans. It's part of the Louisiana State Museum. This house shows what life was like in the mid-1800s. It's a "row house," meaning it's one of many houses built side-by-side. You can find it at 523 St. Ann Street, right on Jackson Square in the French Quarter.
Contents
What is the History of the 1850 House?
The 1850 House is located in the Pontalba Buildings. These buildings are on the sides of Jackson Square. They were built around 1850 by a powerful woman named Micaela Almonester, Baroness de Pontalba. Her father, Don Andres Almonaster y Rojas, was a rich landowner. He helped build the Cathedral and Presbytere nearby.
Who Designed the Pontalba Buildings?
Baroness Pontalba wanted these buildings to look like grand Parisian homes. She hired a famous architect, James Gallier, Sr., to design them. However, she later chose Samuel Stewart to be the builder. She also helped improve Jackson Square and the nearby church buildings.
The Pontalba buildings were finished in 1849 and 1851. Each building had sixteen separate homes upstairs. The ground floors had shops. Look closely at the cast-iron railings. You'll see "A and P" monograms. These stand for the Almonaster and Pontalba families.
What Was Life Like in the 1850s?
In the mid-1800s, the ground floors of the Pontalba buildings were busy. They had stores selling clothes and other goods. There were also law offices, banks, and even a railroad company office.
Upstairs, each house had a living room, a dining room, and three bedrooms. There was also a back wing. This part was used for storage, extra work space, or for household helpers.
Who Lived in the 1850 House?
Records from the 1850s show who lived in these houses. Many were merchants who were quite wealthy. They could afford to rent in this very popular area of New Orleans. Families often included children and household helpers. On average, about nine people lived in each home.
Meet Some Past Residents
The 1850 House museum doesn't show just one family. Instead, it shows what life was like for many families. Here are some examples of people who lived in house #8 St. Ann:
- The Soria Family: They were merchants who moved from New York. They came to New Orleans for new business chances.
- Amelia Zacharie Saul Cammack: She was a widow who lived here with her son and three daughters. The museum's setup shows how her family might have lived from 1853 to 1856.
- William G. Hewes: He moved in with his two daughters, Caroline and Anna. Mr. Hewes was the president of a bank. He also led a railroad company.
Exploring the 1850 House Museum
The Louisiana State Museum took over the building in 1927. They opened the 1850 House to the public in 1948. The museum helps visitors understand the past. It shows how a middle-class family lived during a very rich time in New Orleans' history.
What Can You See Inside?
The house is filled with furniture and art from the 1850s. It shows the style and daily life of that time. Some items were made or sold in local New Orleans shops. The house features popular styles of the 1850s. These include Rococo Revival, Gothic Revival, and Classical Revival.
Highlights of the Collection
When you visit, look for these interesting items:
- Old Paris porcelain: Beautiful dishes and decorations from Paris.
- New Orleans silver: Silver items made right in New Orleans.
- A six-piece bedroom set: This includes a large bed, a dressing table, two tall wardrobes, a washstand, and a nightstand.
- Other furnishings: Pieces by famous makers like William McCracken and J & JW Meeks.
- Paintings: Art by French-trained artists who came to New Orleans in the early to mid-1800s.
Visit the 1850 House Museum Store
The 1850 House Museum Store is a gift shop. It's run by the Friends of the Cabildo. This group helps support the Louisiana State Museum. The store is also on Jackson Square, in the historic Lower Pontalba Buildings.
What Can You Find at the Store?
At the store, you can find many unique items:
- Handmade art: Jewelry, pottery, and crafts made by local artists.
- Books: Topics include history, food, and local culture.
- Museum souvenirs: Items related to the Louisiana State Museum.
You can also sign up for French Quarter walking tours here. These tours even include free entry to the 1850 House Museum!
