Early Haitian Influence on New Orleans

Haitians are one of the dominant creole cultures in New Orleans. After the Haitian Revolution that ended French rule and gave Haiti its independence, 90% of the Haitian refugees settled in New Orleans. The immigration of Haitians, both white and free people of color brought 2,731 whites, 3,102 free people of African descent and 3,226 slaves to the city.

The Haitian Revolution was a successful anti-slavery and anti-colonial insurrection that took place in the former French colony of Saint Domingue that lasted from 1791 until 1804. After the Haitian Revolution that ended French rule and gave Haiti its independence, 90% of the Haitian refugees settled in New Orleans. The immigration of Haitians, both white and free people of color, brought 2,731 whites, 3,102 free people of African descent and 3,226 slaves to the city. This one event doubled the population of New Orleans in one year and had an important social and cultural impact on Creole Louisiana that still influences it to this day.

Visiting New Orleans and the French Quarter on vacation? Join Royal Tours for a walking tour of the French Quarter. Email us or call 504-507-8333.

The Haitian Creole population settled in the French Quarter and brought a distinct culture and architectural tradition giving New Orleans a reputation as the nation’s Creole Capital. They brought with them what was to become the rhythm and soul of New Orleans. The Crescent City would not be what it is today without these contributions.

Haitians played a major role in the development of Creole cuisine, the perpetuation of voodoo practices and preserving the city’s French character. Among the most notable Haitians in New Orleans history were the pirate Jean Lafitte born in Port-au-Prince around 1782 and Antoine Amadee Peychaud, an apothecary (pharmacist) who created a citrus based tincture called Peychaud’s Bitters which is central to the Sazerac cocktail he invented in 1830.

Join Royal Tours in New Orleans for a Sazerac and a stroll around the beautiful French Quarter for a private French Quarter History Tour. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us to book your private tour.

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Norma Wallace - A New Orleans Madam

By Royal Tours New Orleans • July 25, 2023

N orma Wallace, a name that evokes intrigue and fascination, was a prominent figure in New Orleans during the early and mid-20th century. As a powerful and resourceful madam, she operated a network of brothels that thrived despite the constant threat of law enforcement. Beginning in 1920, she would operate brothels for the next 45 years, a span that has not been beaten in the history of New Orleans.