Confederate Memorial Hall: A Legacy of Civil War History in New Orleans
Located in the heart of New Orleans, the Confederate Memorial Hall Museum serves as a significant repository of American Civil War history. Established in 1891, it is recognized as Louisiana's oldest museum and is dedicated to preserving artifacts related to the Confederate States of America (C.S.A.).
The museum is renowned for housing the second-largest collection of Confederate Civil War items in the world, surpassed only by the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia. Its mission is to preserve the material history of the conflict through a vast array of personal effects, military gear, and documents.
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Key Facts
- Established: 1891 by philanthropist Frank T. Howard.
- Collection Size: Over 5,000 historical artifacts.
- Architectural Style: Richardsonian Romanesque, designed by Sully & Toledano.
- Historic Status: Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places since June 11, 1975.
- Notable Holdings: Over 140 C.S.A. flags and personal items of Jefferson Davis.
Architectural and Institutional Origins
The museum was founded to house the collections of the Louisiana Historical Association. The building itself was completed in 1888 and designed by Sully & Toledano. The architects utilized the Richardsonian Romanesque style—a late 19th-century architectural movement characterized by heavy masonry and rounded arches—to mirror the design of the nearby Howard Library.
The hall was formally placed in the possession of the Board of Governors of the Louisiana Historical Association by Frank T. Howard in January 1891, intended to be set apart forever for the organization's use.
The Collections
With more than 5,000 artifacts, the museum offers a detailed look at the personal and military lives of those involved in the Civil War. The collection grew rapidly in its early years, primarily through donations from veterans.
Notable Artifacts
- Military Uniforms: The museum holds the personal effects and uniforms of Confederate generals P.G.T. Beauregard and Braxton Bragg.
- Flags: A significant collection of over 140 regimental and other C.S.A. flags.
- Jefferson Davis Collection: Donated by his wife, Varina Davis, these items include his Bible, saddle, clothing, and a crown of thorns gifted by Pope Pius IX.
A History of Conflict and Ownership
Beyond its exhibits, the museum has a complex legal history. For decades, the building was the center of an ownership dispute involving the Howard Library, Tulane University, and the University of New Orleans (UNO). The conflict centered on the interpretation of Frank T. Howard's original donation terms.
In the 1930s, Governor Huey Long negotiated a compromise to allow the Howard Library to use the museum's basement for storage. Later, as the Ogden Museum of Southern Art expanded around the site, tensions rose regarding visitor access between the two Ogden buildings, which were separated by the Memorial Hall.
The dispute reached a peak in 2001 when the UNO foundation attempted to remove the museum from the premises. Following a series of court battles, Governor Mike Foster intervened in 2003. A compromise was reached where UNO would cede title claims to the land and building in exchange for the construction of a connecting tunnel through the basement.
Museum Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 929 Camp St, New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Architect | Thomas O. Sully |
| NRHP Reference No. | 75000852 |
| Primary Collection | Confederate States of America (C.S.A.) artifacts |
| Key Figure | Frank T. Howard (Founder) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is the collection at Confederate Memorial Hall?
The museum houses over 5,000 historical artifacts, making it the second-largest collection of Confederate Civil War items globally.
What is the architectural style of the building?
The building was designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, characterized by its heavy stone construction and Romanesque arches.
Who donated the personal items of Jefferson Davis?
Varina Davis, the wife of Jefferson Davis, donated several of her late husband's belongings, including his Bible and saddle.
What happened to the stolen 14th Louisiana Infantry Regiment flag?
A flag stolen by a volunteer in the 1980s was recovered in 2011 from a collector who had purchased it in 2004 without knowing its origin.
Did Jefferson Davis ever have a connection to the hall?
Yes, on May 29, 1893, the exhumed body of Jefferson Davis lay in state at the hall, where it was mourned by over 60,000 people before his final burial in Richmond, Virginia.