Description: Louis Armstrong Park, located steps from the French Quarter on N. Rampart St., was created to honor New Orleans' favorite son, the great Louis Armstrong, and to preserve the site of Congo Square. Preserving the historic meeting space of slaves in the 1800s and celebrating the undeniably rich jazz history of New Orleans, Armstrong Park is a site of cultural reflection and a commitment to continuing the community spirit. The 32-acre park will be transformed to the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, recognized by the National Parks Service, within coming years. Visitors can begin their New Orleans jazz experience at the park's temporary visitor facility at 916 N. Peters Street in the French Quarter. The Visitors’ Facility also features exhibits and an indoor performance venue and space for public programs. Within the park is Congo Square, an open space in the southern corner where slaves and free blacks gathered throughout the 19th century for meetings, open markets, and the African dance and drumming celebrations that played a substantial role in the development of jazz. Local voodoo practitioners still consider Congo Square a spiritual base and gather at the Square for rituals. Occasional free Sunday afternoon concerts are a highlight in the park, often sponsored by WWOZ-FM, a listener-supported and volunteered-staffed community radio station located in the park. For more information on Armstrong Park, please visit www.nps.gov/jazz/index.html, call (504) 589-4841, or call (877) 520-0677 (toll free). |
