Treme in New Orleans, Louisiana
“Won’t bow down. Don’t know how.” A place of pride and refuge for New Orleans’ free people of color who could buy property here, the Faubourg Treme – as far back as its founding in the 18th Century – served as cultural rendezvous between the worlds of white and black while its back streets birthed a music that conquered the world. Bulldozed but not forgotten, the infamous Storyville red-light district flourished in the Treme’s upper stretches while St. Augustine Church remains the centerpiece for the oldest African-American Catholic parish in the country. Jazz today is honored by Armstrong Park, named in tribute to Louis Armstrong and Congo Square – where slaves once gathered to make music. Similar beats are heard today seeping from tiny clubs, booming out in a joyous second line or in the eerie drumming of the skeleton krewe emerging from the Backstreet Museum at dawn Mardi Gras Day to wake the sleeping. “Live!” is their command. And that’s exactly what the Treme always does.
Quick Facts & Tips
- YEAR FOUNDED: 1783
- VIBE: Poetic, soulful and authentic
- KNOWN FOR: African American history, Authentic Creole food, Second line parades and jazz funerals, Backstreet Cultural Museum
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Things to Do
Learn about some of the most significant history and culture of New Orleans in Tremé’s museums, theaters, and churches, or enjoy the outdoors in the area’s parks and...
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Eat
You won’t want to miss the local New Orleans flavors of Tremé. Whether you’re having world famous fried chicken or dining at a James Beard Award winning chef’s...
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Drink
Grab a beer at a low-key neighborhood bar – nothing fancy. You’ll mingle with New Orleanians who have been regulars at the establishment for decades.
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Stay
Guest homes and B&Bs are the best way to experience this charming and historic neighborhood.
Major Events
- Tremé Gumbo Festival
- Treme Fall Fest
- Tremé/7th Ward Arts and Culture Festival
- Congo Square New World Rhythms Festival
Streets of Interest
While there are many beautiful residential streets throughout the neighborhood, there is not one street that stands out above the rest. They are all worth exploring especially on foot or bike.
Upcoming Events
History
Tremé is the oldest African American neighborhood in the United States, and the site of many major events that have shaped the course of Black America in the past two centuries. Filled with incredible history...
Read MoreArchitecture
Creole cottages, double shotgun houses, 19th century landmarks and the beautiful Louis Armstrong Park mark this historic neighborhood. The architecture here embodies a local, neighborhood feel.
Read MoreTranportation
Tremé is within easy walking distance from the French Quarter and great to explore by bike or foot. If you choose to drive, street parking is widely available. You can also hop in a cab from the Quarter...
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