French Quarter: Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral

Jackson Square - a rectangular plot of land, approximately the size of a city-block, is the site of the original settlement of New Orleans by the French Mississippi Company.

At that time it was known as Place d'Armes. It was designed in 1721 and originally served as military parade grounds and later as a market place and site for executions. Today it is a well manicured park and the spiritual center of the French Quarter.

Surrounding the park is a pedestrian plaza. Diverse artists rent space and hang their works on the fence, and jazz musicians, tarot card readers, and clowns entertain tourists.

In the picture - Saint Louis Cathedral - the oldest, continuously operating cathedral in the United States and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans.