Beneath the Charm of Bourbon Street: Layers of History and Hidden Treasures

Bourbon Street, one of the most famous and densely packed streets in New Orleans, stands as a testament to the city's rich tapestry of history and culture. But what lies beneath this iconic thoroughfare? Let's delve into the layers of history, construction, and hidden treasures that make Bourbon Street the vibrant destination it is today.

Historical Layers and Paving Stones

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Bourbon Street was paved with broad flat Belgian paving stones. These stones were complemented by granite curbs and gutters, and concrete or planked sidewalks. In the middle of Bourbon Street and its sister street, Royal, ran steel rails for streetcars.

While most downtown streets of New Orleans were paved by the late 1800s, not all city streets had this privilege. As of 1880, New Orleans boasted a total of 566 miles of streets, but only 17 percent were considered paved. About a third of this paved area consisted of cobblestones, a quarter had pulverized oyster shells, another quarter was made of stone paving blocks, and the remaining 15 percent were a mix of these materials.

The Legend of Englishmen and Bourbon Creams

Many Englishmen believe in a mythical stash of their favorite biscuits, Bourbon Creams, buried beneath Bourbon Street. While this sounds like a delightful legend, there is no substantial evidence to support it. Nevertheless, the street itself is steeped in its own share of historical and cultural fables that make it a fascinating place to explore.

Geology and Underlayers

Below the asphalt of Bourbon Street, there might be areas of undisturbed granite blocks. These blocks, intact since the days of street construction, offer a glimpse into the original urban planning. The streetcar tracks, which were once a prominent feature, likely saw their last days in the 1940s when they were replaced by buses. However, their exact fate remains a topic of local interest and speculation.

Conclusion

Bourbon Street is more than just a famous street in New Orleans; it is a time capsule that houses layers of history beneath its asphalt. From the Belgian paving stones to the granite curbs, and the streetcar tracks that once dominated the middle of the street, each layer tells a story. While the mythical stash of Bourbon Cream biscuits remains a delightful legend, the true treasures lie in the historical layers that define this iconic neighborhood.