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The Mass Lynching of Italian-Americans in New Orleans: The Parish Prison

The New Orleans Parish Prison

The old Parish Prison was built in the 1830s on the square bound by Orleans, Tremé, St. Ann, and Marais. Conditions were shocking. During the day, prisoners were kept outside in the segregated courtyards. At night, most prisoners slept on the floor of crowded cells with only two blankets each. The last prisoners left in 1895. The location was later used to construct a building for the Sewerage and Water Board.

photos

Three story block shaped building, hip roof. leafless trees in front by street.

The Historic New Orleans Collection, Acc. No. 1982.170, Gift of Samuel Wilson, Jr.

sepia photo Interior view of the Orleans Parish prison gallery. In the front gallery the cell doors are closed, while the second gallery the jail cell doors are open. View of the execution yard at the Old Parish Prison located on the square bounded by North Liberty, Saint Ann, Marais, and Orleans Streets. This photograph was taken after the prison was abandoned. Two sets of four two-toned archways are visible on the right, as well as several open jail cells. On the far wall, there is a large gated archway on the ground and an open door leading to a small balcony

The Historic New Orleans Collection, Acc. No. 2016.0466.6.4.                                                                  The Historic New Orleans Collection, Acc. No. 1985.126.41.