Central Business District in New Orleans in Orleans Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Merchants Mutual Insurance Company Building

Photographed by James Hulse, January 12, 2023

1. Merchants Mutual Insurance Company Building Marker

Inscription. Erected in 1859
William A. Freret, Jr., Architect
C. Crozier, Carpenter-Builder

The local foundry of Bennett & Lurges
crafted the cast-iron facade,
touted as a demonstration that
highly accomplished iron work
could be manufactured in New Orleans.

The innovative use of Solomonic Columns
at the second level rather than those
from the classical orders was controversial
at the time of its completion.

The building is one of two remaining
examples in New Orleans
of a cast-iron facade.

Erected 2021 by Orleans Parish Landmarks Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location. 29° 57.166′ N, 90° 4.133′ W. Marker is in New Orleans, Louisiana, in Orleans Parish. It is in the Central Business District. It is on Canal Street 0.1 miles east of St. Charles Avenue, on the right when traveling east. The marker is located on the left side of the entrance to the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 622 Canal Street, New Orleans LA 70130, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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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 distance of this marker: America's First Movie Theater / Vitascope Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Louis André Martinet / Office of L.A. Martinet, The Crusader & Comité Des Citoyens (within shouting distance of this marker); Jefferson Highway (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Birthplace of “Dixie” (about 400 feet away); UpStairs Lounge Memorial (about 500 feet away); 127-129 Carondelet Street (about 600 feet away); Canal Street Under French and Spanish Rule (1718-1803) (about 600 feet away); Bank of Louisiana in New Orleans

The view of the Merchants Mutual Insurance Company Building and Marker from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 12, 2023

2. The view of the Merchants Mutual Insurance Company Building and Marker from across the street

The marker is located on the left side of the entrance to the building.

(about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Orleans.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Whitney National Bank (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

The Merchants Mutual Insurance Company Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 12, 2023

3. The Merchants Mutual Insurance Company Building and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 29, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 518 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 30, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.