Fair Grounds Race Course
The Louisiana Jockey Club composed of prominent New Orleans citizens, opened the Fair Grounds Course on April 13, 1872. They chose this site which previously had been the scene of Agricultural and Industrial fairs. Through the years five racing clubs preceded the Fair Grounds Corporation (Founded in 1941) in operating the course which is the third oldest track still in operation in America.
Buried in the infield are the turf immortals, Black Gold, winner of four derbies including the Louisiana and Kentucky derbies, and Pan Zareta, known as "The Queen of the Turf"
The Fair Grounds gate houses, designed by the noted architect James Gallier, Jr. were built in 1859 for the Mechanics and Agricultural Fair.
Erected by Orleans Parish Landmarks Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is April 13, 1872.
Location. 29° 59.013′ N, 90° 4.625′ W. Marker is in New Orleans, Louisiana, in Orleans Parish. It is in Fairgrounds. It is on Gentilly Boulevard west of Aubry Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1751 Gentilly Boulevard, New Orleans LA 70119, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s River Parishes. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, on the Gulf Coast, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking
this page online
More about this marker. Located on the left main entrance gatehouse exterior wall, facing the main entrance. Obstructed by a Sago palm tree.
Also see . . . Wikipedia Article on Fairgrounds Race Course. (Submitted on September 5, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 574 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 5, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
