The Mechanic's Institute was the site of many important events in Louisiana's history. The State Legislature began meeting here for the first time on November 23, 1865, in an extra session. The delegates for the 1868 Constitutional Convention met here as well. And on July 30, 1866, it was the scene of a bloody massacre that paved the way for new U.S. constitutional amendments and legislation to protect African-Americans and their rights.
Courtesy Historic New Orleans Collection
