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

Site of the St. Charles Theaters

1835-1967

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 26, 2011

1. Site of the St. Charles Theaters Marker

Inscription. The first St. Charles Theater, built by James Caldwell with Antonio Mondelli as architect, opened on this site November 30, 1835. It seated over 4,000 and was one of the largest theaters in the world. The American premieres of Bellini’s Norma took place here in 1836 and Rossini's Semiramide in 1837. It burned March 13, 1842.

The second St. Charles opened January 18, 1843 and seated over 1,500. Some of the greatest actors of the 19th century played here; Joe Jefferson, Edwin Booth and Charles Keane. Great musicians who appeared here included Ole Bull, Henri Vieuxtemps, Jenny Lind, Henrietta Sontag and Adelina Patti. This burned June 4, 1899.

The third St. Charles opened in 1902 and was part of the Orpheum Vaudeville Circuit. Sarah Bernhardt make her final local appearance here and Rosa Ponselle her first. It was demolished in 1967.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical date for this entry is January 18, 1992.

Location. 29° 56.995′ N, 90° 4.218′ W. Marker is in New Orleans, Louisiana, in Orleans Parish. It is in the Central Business District. It is at the intersection of Saint Charles Avenue and Poydras Street on Saint Charles Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 490 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans LA 70130, 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

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other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Enrique Alférez (within shouting distance of this marker); George Dunbar (within shouting distance of this marker); Bank of Louisiana in New Orleans (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Matt Scobey (about 500 feet away); Lafayette Square (about 500 feet away); Kossuth (about 600 feet away); Bank’s Arcade (approx. 0.2 miles away); Le Pavillon Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles 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).

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 26, 2011

2. Site of the St. Charles Theaters Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,597 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 13, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.