On March 15, 1893, Messrs. Gantier and Desporte introduced a resolution to change the name of Congo Square to Beauregard Square, and provide "the means for the erection of a monument to the memory of the distinguished Confederate chieftain." It was referred to the committee on public order and finance. The committee reported favorably to the council on March 28th, which then adopted the resolution 30-0.
Flynn's digest of the city ordinances, together with the constitutional provisions, acts of the General assembly, and decisions of the courts relative to the government of the City of New Orleans. Published by authority of the City Council. Compiled by J.Q. Flynn, . 1896
https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uc2.ark:/13960/t7rn36w68?urlappend=%3Bseq=680
Page 598
PARKS, SQUARES AND NEUTRAL GROUNDS.
BEAUREGARD SQUARE.
Art. 1511. (1) That the name of the square now known as the Fillmore Square, in the Fourth District of this city, be changed and be hereafter known and named Beauregard Square.
Art. 1512. That in memory of that distinguished soldier, patriot and citizen, Gen. G. T. Beauregard, and in recognition of his life-long devotion and services to name the State of Louisiana and her people, it is the sense of this Council that the square formerly known as Congo Square, bounded by Rampart, St. Claude, St. Peter and St. Ann streets, shall hereafter be known as Beauregard Square; and the commissioners of said square are hereby requested to join their efforts with those of the Confederate Veteran Associations in securing a suitable monument of General Beauregard and to otherwise beautify said square in a manner befitting so worthy a name.
Unbelievably, it wasn't until 2011 that the city officially changed the name from Beauregard Square to Congo Square.
ORDINANCE
CITY OF NEW ORLEANS
CITY HALL: April 7, 2011
CALENDAR NO. 28,411
NO. 24388 MAYOR COUNCIL SERIES
BY: COUNCILMEMBER GISLESON PALMER
AN ORDINANCE to re-name and dedicate Beauregard Square to its formerly known and current widely used name of Congo Square in honor of the historical cultural gatherings of enslaved Africans and free people of color in this area under French, Spanish and American rule and otherwise to provide with respect thereto.
WHEREAS, Congo Square is bounded by North Rampart Street, St. Claude Avenue, St. Peter Street and St. Ann Street and is an open space within Louis Armstrong Park located in the Treme neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, the Treme neighborhood, famous for its African-American music, and is an integral part of the African-American Heritage Cultural District; and
WHEREAS, in the 18th and 19th Century, enslaved Africans were commonly allowed Sundays off from work and to gather in "Place Congo" at the back of town where they set up a market, sang, danced and played musical instruments; and
WHEREAS, after the Louisiana Purchase, the weekly gatherings became a famous site for visitors from all over the United States; and
WHEREAS, because of the immigration of refugees, the arrival of additional Africans and their descendents[sic] reinforced the African traditions in music and other areas;
NOW THEREFORE
SECTION 1. THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS HEREBY ORDAINS, That Beauregard Square is hereby re-named and dedicated to its formerly known and currently widely used name of Congo Square in honor of the historical cultural gatherings in this location, which is a historical landmark linked to the beginning of jazz.
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS APRIL 28, 2011
ARNIE FIELKOW
PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL
DELIVERED TO THE MAYOR ON APRIL 29, 2011
APPROVED: MAY 4, 2011
MITCHELL J. LANDRIEU
MAYOR
RETURNED BY THE MAYOR ON MAY 4, 2011 AT 5:10 P.M.
PEGGY LEWIS
CLERK OF COUNCIL
ROLL CALL VOTE:
YEAS: Clarkson, Fielkow, Gisleson Palmer, Guidry, Hedge-Morrell, Johnson - 6
NAYS: 0ABSENT: Head - 1
