One of the earliest streets to be laid out in the design of the fledgling community. Its most historic building, over 260 years old, is the Bourbon-Orleans at 717 Orleans St. A man named John Davis built the Orleans Ballroom where the famous Quadroon Balls were held, the clock on the Cathedral tolled the hours for the music to start. Mr. Davis also founded the first French Opera House in America, with opulence equal to those in Europe. David lost his enterprise during the Civil War and in 1881 an order of nuns obtained the building for a school. In 1964 the property was sold to the current hotel.
One of the earliest streets to be laid out in the design of the fledgling community. Its most historic building, over 260 years old, is the Bourbon-Orleans at 717 Orleans St. A man named John Davis built the Orleans Ballroom where the famous Quadroon Balls were held, the clock on the Cathedral tolled the hours for the music to start. Mr. Davis also founded the first French Opera House in America, with opulence equal to those in Europe. David lost his enterprise during the Civil War and in 1881 an order of nuns obtained the building for a school. In 1964 the property was sold to the current hotel.
