The Presbytère
Logo of the New Orleans Landmarks Commission 1964
The Presbytère
Designed in 1791 by Gilberto Guillemard, architect, as the rectory of the Church of St. Louis. Construction, begun through the generosity of Don Andres Almonester y Roxas, was halted when he died in 1796. The building remained unfinished, only one story high, until it was completed by the wardens of St. Louis Cathedral in 1813, Gurlie and Guillot, builders.
Never used for its intended purpose as a rectory or presbytère, the building was rented to the city by the cathedral wardens for use as a court house and sold by them to the city in 1853. The rear wings were erected in 1840 by Gobet and Larochette, builders, Benjamin Buisson, architect. The mansard roof was added in 1847 by Gobet and Amiel, builders.
Transferred to the Louisiana State Museum in 1911. Renovated by the State of Louisiana in 1962-63 for the museum.
Erected 1964 by New Orleans Landmarks Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1964.
Location. 29° 57.489′ N, 90° 3.802′ W. Marker is in New Orleans, Louisiana, in Orleans Parish. It is in the French Quarter. Marker is at
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cathedral of St. Louis, King of France (within shouting distance of this marker); Lower Pontalba Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson Square - Vieux Carré (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of First Louisiana School (within shouting distance of this marker); Quartier General de la Garde Municipale (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cabildo (within shouting distance of this marker); Spanish cannon (within shouting distance of this marker); Don Bernardo de Galvez (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Orleans.
Also see . . . The Presbytère - New Orleans Online. (Submitted on January 16, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 729 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 12, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
