Eras of New Orleans: A History Lovers Walking Tour

New Orleans is a city steeped in history, and the "Eras of New Orleans: A History Lovers Walking Tour" offers a unique opportunity to uncover its rich past. Led by passionate local guides, this immersive experience takes participants on a journey through the French Quarter, exploring pivotal moments that have shaped the city’s identity. From the devastating impact of the Yellow Fever pandemic to the complex history of enslaved peoples and their enduring contributions, the tour promises to captivate history enthusiasts. But the real highlight may be the visit to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, where the blend of storytelling and vibrant atmosphere creates an unforgettable finale to this captivating exploration of New Orleans’ eras.

Good To Know

• This walking tour explores the rich history of New Orleans, focusing on the French Quarter, the devastating Yellow Fever pandemic, and the history of enslaved peoples.
• Visitors can experience the atmospheric Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, one of the oldest bars in the city with ties to notorious pirates.
• The tour is guided by knowledgeable locals who captivate with enthusiastic storytelling, highlighting the resilience and enduring legacies of influential figures in New Orleans’ history.
• The tour starts at the Witches Brew Gallery & Oddities Shop, where participants can leave offerings at Papa Legba’s altar, setting the stage for an immersive historical journey.
• The tour includes live guides, alcoholic beverages, and insights into the city’s complex past, but is not wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate fitness level.

Discovering the French Quarter

The tour begins with a captivating exploration of the iconic French Quarter, the heart and soul of New Orleans.

Guided by a knowledgeable local, guests explore the neighborhood’s rich history, uncovering tales of the Yellow Fever pandemic and the complex history of enslaved people.

Along the way, they visit one of the oldest bars in the city, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, where the guide shares engaging stories that bring the past to life.

This immersive experience provides travelers with a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural influences that have shaped New Orleans’ unique character over the centuries.

Yellow Fever Pandemic’s Impact

New Orleans faced a daunting public health crisis in the 19th century as the city grappled with devastating Yellow Fever outbreaks. The disease ravaged the population, claiming thousands of lives and causing widespread panic. The tour guide will likely discuss the city’s efforts to combat the epidemic, including the hotel of quarantine zones and the development of rudimentary medical treatments. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how this public health crisis shaped the history and culture of New Orleans.

Year	Cases	Deaths	Mortality Rate
1853	12,000	7,849	65.4%
1878	4,646	2,287	49.3%
1905	3,315	452	13.6%

History of Enslaved Peoples

Slavery played a pivotal role in shaping New Orleans’ history, with the city serving as a major hub for the transatlantic slave trade.

Tens of thousands of enslaved Africans were forcibly brought to the region, their labor fueling the economy and contributing to the city’s distinct cultural identity.

Guides on the tour will explore the lives and struggles of the enslaved, shedding light on the brutality of the system and the resilience of those who endured it.

Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how the institution of slavery left an indelible mark on New Orleans, shaping its past and continuing to impact its present.

Visiting Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

After exploring the sobering history of enslaved peoples in New Orleans, the tour takes a turn towards a more lively aspect of the city’s past – the iconic Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. Tucked away on Bourbon Street, this hotel dates back to the late 18th century and is rumored to have served as a meeting place for the infamous Lafitte brothers, notorious pirates who terrorized the Gulf Coast. Today, visitors can step inside the dimly lit, atmospheric space, order a cocktail, and imagine the colorful history that has unfolded within these walls over the centuries.

Establishment	Year Founded	Claim to Fame
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar	Late 18th century	Rumored gathering place for the Lafitte brothers, infamous pirates
Location	941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116	Tucked away on the iconic Bourbon Street
Experience	Cocktails in a dimly lit, atmospheric space	Step back in time and imagine the vibrant history of the building

Engaging Local Guide’s Storytelling

The local guide skillfully weaves together tales of New Orleans’ storied past, captivating visitors with their enthusiastic storytelling.

Through engaging narratives, the guide brings to life the city’s rich history, from its French colonial roots to the vibrant cultural melting pot it’s today.

Visitors are enthralled as the guide expertly navigates the tour, highlighting:

1. The resilience of the people in the face of challenges like the Yellow Fever pandemic.
2. The complex history of enslaved individuals and their contributions to the city’s development.
3. The enduring legacies of influential figures who’ve shaped New Orleans over the centuries.

The guide’s captivating delivery and deep knowledge ensure an immersive and unforgettable experience for all who embark on this historic journey.

Meeting Point and Tour Start

Visitors begin their immersive journey at the Witches Brew Gallery & Oddities Shop, located at 311 Exchange Pl in the heart of the French Quarter.

Before departing, the tour guide encourages participants to leave an offering at Papa Legba’s altar, a symbolic gesture to ensure a memorable experience.

The tour then winds its way through the picturesque streets, culminating at the iconic Lafittes Blacksmith Shop Bar on Bourbon Street.

This historic hotel, one of the oldest bars in New Orleans, serves as the perfect finale to the tour, allowing participants to soak in the rich history and ambiance of the city.

Tour Inclusions and Accessibility

The tour includes a live, knowledgeable guide to bring the history of New Orleans to life.

Alcoholic beverages are also included, so you can enjoy a drink while exploring the city’s storied past.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions.

The fitness level required is moderate due to the terrain challenges.

The key inclusions and accessibility details are:

1. Live guide with storytelling
2. Alcoholic beverages (BYOB)
3. Not wheelchair accessible, not recommended for certain medical conditions

Traveler Feedback and Ratings

Travelers have raved about this historical walking tour of New Orleans, awarding it a near-perfect rating of 5.0 out of 58 reviews.

Reviewers praised the knowledgeable and enthusiastic local guides, who provided an educational and fun experience. One traveler noted their clear understanding of early New Orleans history, including the pre-Louisiana Purchase settlement.

Guests appreciated the tour’s focus on topics like the Yellow Fever pandemic and the history of enslaved people.

Things To Known

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own alcoholic beverages on this walking tour, but no outside food is allowed. The tour includes drinks, so bringing your own alcohol is welcome, but the organizers provide the food as part of the experience.

What Happens if the Tour Is Canceled Due to Weather?

If the tour is canceled due to weather, travelers will receive a full refund. The tour company provides a convenient weather policy to ensure customers are not penalized for factors outside their control.

Is Gratuity for the Tour Guide Included in the Price?

The price of the tour does not include gratuity for the guide. Travelers are expected to tip the guide separately at the end of the tour, typically 15-20% of the tour price, to show appreciation for their expertise and service.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour provider does not offer any discounts for students or seniors on this walking tour. The price of $29.99 is the standard rate for all travelers, regardless of age or student status.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point During the Experience?

Participants can generally leave the tour group at any point during the experience, though it’s recommended to stay with the group to get the full educational and immersive experience. Tour operators encourage guests to notify the guide if they need to depart early.

Sum Up

The "Eras of New Orleans" walking tour offers a captivating journey through the city’s rich history. Participants will explore pivotal events, explore the resilience of enslaved peoples, and culminate their experience at the iconic Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. This immersive experience, led by passionate local guides, provides an engaging blend of storytelling and historical insights, allowing visitors to connect with the vibrant cultural identity of New Orleans.