Bywater: A Historic and Artistic Gem of New Orleans
Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River, Bywater is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich neighborhoods in New Orleans, Louisiana. Part of the city's Ninth Ward and District 7, Bywater is celebrated for its eclectic blend of historic architecture, artistic spirit, and resilient community. From its colonial roots as plantation land to its modern status as a bohemian enclave, the neighborhood offers a unique glimpse into the soul of the Crescent City.
The neighborhood is defined by its distinct boundaries: Florida Avenue to the north, the Industrial Canal to the east, the Mississippi River to the south, and the railroad tracks along Homer Plessy Way to the west.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Key Facts
- Location: New Orleans, Louisiana (District 7, Ninth Ward).
- Historic Status: Home to the Bywater Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Geography: A total area of 1.33 square miles, with a low elevation of approximately 3 feet.
- Architecture: Features a mix of Bungalow/Craftsman, Italianate, and Shotgun houses.
- Resilience: Known as part of the "Sliver by the River" for its relative safety during Hurricane Katrina.
Geography and Boundaries
Bywater is situated at coordinates 29°57′46″N 90°02′24″W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the district covers 1.33 square miles, consisting of 0.94 square miles of land and 0.39 square miles of water. Its low-lying elevation of 3 feet (0.91 m) makes its relationship with the river central to its identity.
The neighborhood's western boundary, Homer Plessy Way (formerly Press Street), is named after the plaintiff in the landmark Plessy v. Ferguson case. The original name, Press Street, derived from a 19th-century cotton press (or cotton compress) that once operated in the area.
Adjacent Neighborhoods
- North: Desire Area
- East: Lower Ninth Ward and Holy Cross
- South: Mississippi River
- West: Marigny, St. Claude, and Florida Area
A Rich Historical Legacy
During the colonial era, Bywater consisted primarily of plantation land. Residential growth accelerated in the early 19th century as part of "Faubourg Washington," attracting settlers from France, Spain, and the French Caribbean. This diverse influx created a melting pot of white Creoles, mixed-race Creoles (of French, Spanish, African, and Native American descent), and immigrants from Ireland, Italy, and Germany.
The neighborhood's architectural landscape is a testament to this diversity, blending colonial French and Spanish styles with Caribbean vernacular architecture. This fusion is most evident in the Bywater Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 23, 1986.
Notable Historical Milestones
- Architectural Influence: Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who designed the central tower of St. Louis Cathedral, lived and died in Bywater in 1820.
- Civil Rights History: Bywater is the site where Homer Plessy was removed from an East Louisiana Railroad car for violating the separate car act, leading to the "separate but equal" legal doctrine.
- Urban Evolution: The dredging of the Industrial Canal in the early 20th century physically separated Bywater from the Lower 9th Ward.
Culture and Community Life
Bywater is renowned for its artistic and bohemian atmosphere. This trend accelerated in the late 1990s as artists and creatives moved from the French Quarter to refurbish neglected 19th-century homes.
The neighborhood plays a spirited role in Mardi Gras celebrations. The Society of Saint Anne marching krewe begins its procession here on Mardi Gras morning. They are preceded by the Bywater Bone Boys Social Aid and Pleasure Club, a "skeleton krewe" founded in 2005 consisting of musicians, writers, and artists who begin their revelry before 7 a.m.
Neighborhood Statistics
| Metric | Detail/Value |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 1.33 sq mi (3.4 km) |
| Land Area | 0.94 sq mi (2.4 km) |
| Water Area | 0.39 sq mi (1.0 km) |
| Population (2010) | 2,181 (Total) |
| Population Density (2010) | 2,300/sq mi |
| NRHP Reference No. | 86000113 |
Resilience After Hurricane Katrina
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Bywater became a sanctuary for many survivors. Because of its slightly higher elevation closer to the Mississippi River, it escaped the catastrophic flooding that devastated other parts of the Ninth Ward. This area, along with the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny, became known as the "Sliver by the River." This geographic advantage allowed Bywater to make steady progress toward recovery compared to other city districts.
Notable Residents
Bywater has attracted a wide array of talent, including:
- Musicians: Charmaine Neville, Helen Gillet, Washboard Chaz, and Papa Mali.
- Artists and Creatives: Sallie Ann Glassman (artist and Voodoo priestess), Steve Rapport (photographer), and John Cameron Mitchell (film director).
- Academics: S. Frederick Starr, former president of Oberlin College.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Sliver by the River"?
The "Sliver by the River" refers to the narrow strip of neighborhoods along the Mississippi River, including Bywater, the French Quarter, and Faubourg Marigny, that remained largely flood-free during Hurricane Katrina due to their slightly higher elevation.
What architectural styles are common in Bywater?
The neighborhood is known for its unique blend of colonial French and Spanish influences, Caribbean vernacular architecture, and specific styles such as Italianate, Bungalow/Craftsman, and the classic New Orleans Shotgun House.
Who was Homer Plessy, and why is he linked to Bywater?
Homer Plessy was the plaintiff in the 1896 Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson. The event that triggered the case—his removal from a railroad car for violating segregation laws—took place in Bywater. A street in the neighborhood was renamed Homer Plessy Way in 2018 to honor him.
How did Bywater get its name?
While once known as the "Upper 9th Ward," the name "Bywater" became common by the 1940s. It was inspired by the local telephone exchange designation, which reflected the neighborhood's proximity to both the river and the canal.