Napoleon House facts for kids
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Mayor Girod House
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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 Location in East New Orleans
Location in Louisiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | 500 Chartres St., New Orleans, Louisiana |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1797 |
| Architectural style | Colonial |
| Part of | Vieux Carre Historic District (ID66000377) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000254 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 15, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | April 15, 1970 |
| Designated NHLDCP | December 21, 1965 |
The Napoleon House is a famous old building in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. It's also known as the Mayor Girod House. This building has a cool legend that it was meant to be a home for the famous French leader, Napoleon Bonaparte, after he was sent away from France.
The building was first built in 1794 and made bigger in 1814. The story goes that a plan was made to bring Napoleon to Louisiana. But he passed away in 1821 before he could ever come.
The house was once the home of Nicholas Girod, who was the mayor of New Orleans. In the early 1800s, it was one of the fanciest homes in the city. Later, in the early 1900s, it became a local grocery store. Since 1914, it has been a popular restaurant called Napoleon House. The top floors of the building are now apartments. You can still see some of the original fancy decorations inside.
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A Historic New Orleans Building
The Napoleon House is a very important building. In 1970, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a special place recognized for its history and design. It's a great example of French-style architecture in New Orleans.
Building Design and Features
The building has three stories and is made of brick with a stucco finish. It has a special kind of roof called a hip roof, with small windows sticking out called dormers. There's also a small tower on top called a cupola. The second floor has simple, shallow iron balconies that add to its old-world charm.
Dining at Napoleon House
The Napoleon House restaurant has a unique, old-time New Orleans feel. It serves many traditional dishes that are popular in the city.
Famous Dishes and Drinks
You can try classic Louisiana foods like red beans and rice, gumbo, and jambalaya. The restaurant is especially known for its delicious muffaletta sandwiches. These are big, round sandwiches filled with meats, cheeses, and olive salad. For drinks, the bar is famous for its "Pimm's Cup" cocktail. While you eat, you'll hear Classical music playing, which adds to the special atmosphere.
