On the morning of March 1, 1813, the Court's first session was conducted by two justices in the courtroom at Government House, who presented their commissions from Governor Claiborne. They then examined and admitted several candidates for admission to the bar before adjourning. From the Constitution of 1812, the Court was required to sit in New Orleans from November to July, and in Opelousas from August to October.
The next location was in the Presbytere. The court was there in 1822, but records do not show when the court moved from Government House to the Presbytere.
1853: moved to the Cabildo when City Hall moves to Gallier Hall. Occupied the Great Hall on the second floor.
1910: moved to fourth floor of the Civil District Courts Building on Royal, fourth floor. The court room was semicircular and overlooked Conti Street, the Judges faced St. Louis Street.
Sunday, October 12, 1958: dedication of the Louisiana Supreme Court Building at 301 Loyola Ave., part of the Civic Center complex.
May 2004: back in the Civil District Courts Building on Royal.
These are the locations of the Court when in New Orleans. It does not include the various places that the Court held sessions when it was riding circuit.
Courtesy Historic New Orleans Collection
(small white building at center)
