NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – As you go about your daily lives, there’s a good chance that you don’t always pay attention to some of the wonderful things around you, like statues! News with a Twist’s Kenny Lopez went looking for some of the coolest statues in New Orleans, that you might not even know exist!
Ashley Merlin loves taking photographs, especially of statues. She’s compiled a book with photographs and explanations of New Orleans statues. Her book is called, “Statuesque New Orleans“.
“New Orleans statues are so statuesque because they show the artists and the politicians that are important to our city,” Merlin said.
She thinks there are many statues that you must know about, but might not. Ashley’s compiled her list of 5 statues in the area that you should know.
- The Four Seasons (Jackson Square)- Autumn, Winter, Summer and Spring are located in the 4 corners of Jackson Square and were installed sometime between 1850-1852. They are the oldest statues still standing in New Orleans.
- Macarty Arch also known as the Ninth Ward Victory Arch (Burgundy between Alvar and Pauline Streets)-Installed in 1919. Dedicated to the men and one woman who fought in WWI from the 9th Ward
- Margaret Haughery (On Margaret Place – at the corner of Camp and Prytania)-Installed in 1884. She’s the oldest statue in the United States dedicated to a woman. Haughery dedicated her life to feeding the poor and building orphanages for kids.
- Women of the Armed Forces (On Elk Place between Canal and Tulane)-Installed in 1962. It is dedicated to women who have served in the Armed Forces from WWI to the present.
- John McDonough (Lafayette Square) -Installed in 1898. The statue was paid for by 5 cent donations from public school children.
It’s very important to Merlin that the statues are restored and refurbished. She’s a board member for the Monumental Task Committee, which aims to restore all the statues in New Orleans by the Tricentennial.
“The statues are deteriorating, so we need to make sure that we take care of them,” she said.