What is Canal Street in New Orleans, and what is its French name?

Canal Street is a major thoroughfare in New Orleans, Louisiana. Historically, it served as the dividing line between the city's original colonial-era French Quarter and the newer American Sector, which is now known as the Central Business District. Its French name is "rue du canal."

What are the geographical dimensions and orientation of Canal Street?

Canal Street measures 3.6 miles (5.8 kilometers) in length and is 171 feet (52 meters) wide. It runs east and west, acting as a divider for the city's north-south running cross streets, although the overall layout of New Orleans follows the Mississippi River.

What are the terminal points of Canal Street?

Canal Street terminates at City Park Avenue on its western end and at the Mississippi River on its eastern end. The riverfront end is sometimes referred to as the "head" or "front" of Canal Street.

How did Canal Street get its name, given that a canal was never actually built there?

Following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, New Orleans saw an influx of Americans settling uptown, distinct from the Creoles in the Vieux Carré. A canal was planned as a division between these two cultural groups, but it was never constructed. The street that was built in its place adopted the name "Canal Street."

What is the historical significance of the term "neutral ground" in relation to Canal Street?

The median of Canal Street was historically known as the "neutral ground" because it marked the cultural divide between the Creole and American sectors of the city. This term has become ingrained in New Orleans' local vernacular, and all street medians in the city are still referred to as neutral grounds today.

What is the function of the Canal Street Ferry mentioned in the article?

The Canal Street Ferry operates from the riverfront end of Canal Street, providing a connection to the Algiers Point neighborhood. Algiers Point is an older, 18th-century section of the larger Algiers area of New Orleans.

How does Canal Street connect to Lake Pontchartrain?

Slightly offset from its Mid-City terminus, Canal Boulevard begins and extends through the Lakeview neighborhood to the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. This provides a route from the city center towards the lakefront.

What role does Canal Street play in New Orleans' public transit system?

The downtown segment of Canal Street serves as the central hub for the city's public transit system, operated by the RTA (New Orleans Regional Transit Authority). It features numerous streetcar and bus route terminals, including the home of the Canal Streetcar Line.

What is a notable characteristic often attributed to Canal Street regarding its width?

Canal Street is frequently referred to as "America's widest main street." It is also noted for being exceptionally wide, often considered the widest roadway in America to be designated as a "street" rather than an "avenue" or "boulevard."

Describe the historical significance of Canal Street in terms of retail and shopping.

For over a century, Canal Street was the primary shopping destination for the Greater New Orleans area. It hosted numerous prominent local department stores and specialty retailers, making it the heart of the city's commercial activity.

How did department stores on Canal Street evolve over time?

Initially, department stores on Canal Street began by selling fabrics, notions, and accessories. As technology advanced with the introduction of elevators and escalators, these stores expanded their floor space, often incorporating adjoining buildings to become larger and more elegant establishments.

When did Canal Street begin to lose its prominence as a primary shopping destination, and what factors contributed to this decline?

Canal Street started to decline as a major regional shopping destination in the late 1960s. While it maintained a strong mix of stores into the mid-1980s, national trends that disfavored downtown retail, coupled with the regional economic downturn known as the Oil Bust in the mid-80s, ultimately impacted its retail primacy.

What is the current retail situation at One Canal Place?

One Canal Place features The Shops at Canal Place across its three lower levels. This mall includes a Saks Fifth Avenue store, the Theatres at Canal Place, a food court, and approximately 45 high-end retailers such as Anthropologie, Brooks Brothers, Michael Kors, and Morton's the Steakhouse.

What impact did Hurricane Katrina have on Canal Street's retail landscape, specifically regarding Saks Fifth Avenue?

Following Hurricane Katrina, a fire caused significant damage to the Saks Fifth Avenue store at One Canal Place. The mall itself reopened in February 2006, and the Saks Fifth Avenue store was completely remodeled and reopened in November of the same year.

How have former department stores on Canal Street been repurposed?

Two prominent former department stores on Canal Street have been transformed into hotels. The D. H. Holmes building is now the Hyatt Centric French Quarter Hotel, and the former Maison Blanche store has become the New Orleans Ritz-Carlton Hotel, both located on the French Quarter side of Canal Street.

What was the historical significance of Canal Street in New Orleans' entertainment scene?

New Orleans has long been a cultural center, and Canal Street was historically a focal point for entertainment, including opera, theater, and concerts. The street hosted significant venues like the Varieties Theater and was lined with movie theaters, contributing to its vibrant entertainment landscape.

What was the Varieties Theater, and what happened to it?

The Varieties Theater opened on Canal Street in 1871. It was later renovated and renamed the Grand Opera House in 1881, serving as both a theater and a ballroom. This venue was part of the cluster of entertainment spots around the intersection with Rampart Street.

What claim is made about the world's first movie theater in relation to Canal Street?

It is stated that the world's first movie theater, "Vitascope Hall," which was the first business dedicated solely to showing films for profit, was established on Canal Street in 1896. This highlights the street's early role in the history of cinema.

Describe the evolution of movie theaters on Canal Street from the early 20th century to the 1960s.

By the 1910s, Canal Street hosted several movie theaters, including the Alamo, Plaza, and Dreamworld. The Trianon, the city's first "movie palace," opened in 1912, followed by the Tudor in 1914 and the Globe in 1918. However, by the 1950s, these theaters had become low-grade, and most were closed by the 1960s.

What were some of the notable hotels located on or near Canal Street in different historical periods?

In the 1830s, hotels like the Union Hotel and Planters Hotel were on Canal Street near the river, along with the Perry House. By the 1920s, the LaSalle Hotel, Hotel New Orleans, and the Jung Hotel were prominent. Later, the Marriott Hotel (1972) and convention hotels like the Sheraton New Orleans and JW Marriott were added. The Roosevelt and Monteleone hotels are also located nearby.

What major public projects and decisions in the past 50 years have influenced the development of downtown New Orleans, including Canal Street?

Key decisions and projects that spurred development included the construction of the Superdome using public funds, the choice not to build an expressway along the Mississippi River in the French Quarter, the development of the riverfront for tourism, and the repurposing of underused wharves for non-maritime use. These actions encouraged business, particularly in the tourism sector.

What is the "Canal Street Vision and Development Strategy," and when was it established?

The "Canal Street Vision and Development Strategy" is a plan established in 2004 by the Downtown Development District. It guides the ongoing redevelopment efforts for the downtown segment of Canal Street, aiming to revitalize the area.

What are some of the new enterprises that have been added to Canal Street as part of its redevelopment?

Recent additions to Canal Street as part of its redevelopment include the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, luxury apartments at 1201 Canal, the New Orleans Bio-Innovation Center, the rehabilitated Joy Theater, the Saint Hotel, the Audubon Insectarium, and the Astor Crowne Plaza. These developments aim to enhance the street's vibrancy.

What was the planned fate of the 1031 Canal site, and what incident occurred there?

The 1031 Canal site was approved for a 190-foot multi-use high-rise, intended to be a Hard Rock Hotel. However, during its construction, a partial building and crane collapse occurred on October 12, 2019.

How is the Mid-City section of Canal Street being redeveloped, particularly concerning the biomedical sector?

The Mid-City section of Canal Street is designated as BioDistrict New Orleans, an economic development zone focused on the biomedical sector. This area is undergoing significant construction, including two new teaching hospitals (University Medical Center and a VA regional facility), representing a substantial investment of approximately $2 billion.

What is the purpose of the "Celebrate Canal" coalition?

The "Celebrate Canal" coalition was founded in 2024 by Sandra Herman and others with the goal of helping to redevelop Canal Street. This community-led initiative aims to revitalize the street through various projects and efforts.

What does the image caption 'Canal Street in 2009' describe?

The image caption indicates that the photograph shows Canal Street in New Orleans during the year 2009, capturing its appearance at that time.

What does the caption 'Canal Street in the Central Business District, looking away from the river, 1920s' convey about the image?

This caption describes an image depicting Canal Street in the Central Business District of New Orleans during the 1920s, specifically showing the view looking away from the Mississippi River.

What information is provided by the caption 'Aerial view of Canal Street in the Central Business District, 1922'?

The caption indicates that the accompanying image is an aerial photograph of Canal Street in New Orleans' Central Business District, taken in the year 1922.

What does the caption 'Canal Street Central Business District, 1950s' refer to?

This caption refers to an image that captures the appearance of Canal Street in the Central Business District of New Orleans during the 1950s.

What does the caption 'Cypress Grove, one of the group of cemeteries at the foot of Canal Street' describe?

The caption identifies Cypress Grove as one of the cemeteries located at the end of Canal Street, near its terminus at the foot of the street.

What does the caption 'Streetcar passing First Grace Methodist Church on Canal Street in Mid-City New Orleans, 2009' illustrate?

This caption describes a scene from 2009 where a streetcar is passing the First Grace Methodist Church on Canal Street, located in the Mid-City neighborhood of New Orleans.

What does the caption 'Facing riverwards (south) on Canal Street in the Central Business District. The Sheraton New Orleans, New Orleans Marriott and Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans are visible.' convey?

This caption describes a view looking south along Canal Street in the Central Business District, noting the presence of prominent hotels such as the Sheraton New Orleans, New Orleans Marriott, and Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans.

What is the significance of Canal Street's role as a dividing line between the French Quarter and the Central Business District?

Historically, Canal Street marked the boundary between the older, 18th-century French Quarter (Vieux Carré) and the newer, American-influenced Central Business District. This division reflects the city's cultural and historical development after the Louisiana Purchase.

What types of businesses were historically found alongside the major department stores on Canal Street?

In addition to major department stores, Canal Street also hosted numerous well-known specialty retailers. These included businesses like Rubenstein Men's Store, Adler's Jewelry, Koslow's, Rapp's, Werlein's Music, as well as chain stores like Kress and Woolworth's, contributing to a diverse retail environment.

How did the development of hotels on Canal Street reflect the city's growth and convention industry?

The number of hotels on Canal Street grew significantly by the 1920s with establishments like the LaSalle, Hotel New Orleans, and the Jung Hotel. In the 1960s, the growth of the convention industry led to the construction of hotels like the Governor House Motor Hotel and the International Hotel, with the Marriott Hotel opening in 1972 as the city's tallest at the time.

What is the purpose of the BioDistrict New Orleans, and how does it relate to Canal Street?

The BioDistrict New Orleans is a state-chartered economic development district located in the Mid-City section of Canal Street. Its purpose is to foster growth in the region's biomedical sector, and it is currently the site of major hospital construction projects.

What is the significance of the "neutral ground" concept originating from Canal Street?

The term "neutral ground" originated from Canal Street's median, which historically separated distinct cultural communities. This term has become a unique part of New Orleans' local dialect, used to refer to any street median.

What historical context led to the planning of a canal along what is now Canal Street?

After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, New Orleans experienced a significant cultural shift with the arrival of Americans from the Midwest who settled uptown, distinct from the existing Creole population in the Vieux Carré. A canal was planned to serve as a physical and symbolic division between these two cultural groups.

What role did streetcars play on Canal Street historically and currently?

Canal Street features a pair of streetcar tracks in its center. Historically, streetcars were a vital part of the street's transportation, and today, the downtown segment serves as a major hub for the city's RTA streetcar lines, including the Canal Streetcar Line itself.

What is the significance of the reference to "At the Foot of Canal Street" by John Boutté and Paul Sanchez?

The song "At the Foot of Canal Street" by John Boutté and Paul Sanchez commemorates the eastern terminus of Canal Street, which leads to a collection of cemeteries. This reference highlights a cultural connection to the street's geography.

What types of businesses are found in the Shops at Canal Place?

The Shops at Canal Place, located in One Canal Place, include a Saks Fifth Avenue store, a food court, and approximately 45 high-end retailers. Examples of these retailers are Anthropologie, Brooks Brothers, Michael Kors, and Morton's the Steakhouse.

What is the function of the One Canal Place Office Tower?

The One Canal Place Office Tower is a Class A commercial office building. It offers over 650,000 square feet of office space and includes amenities such as a parking garage and health club facilities. It is managed by Corporate Realty and is adjacent to the Westin New Orleans Hotel.

What historical context is provided for the development of entertainment venues on Canal Street?

Canal Street was a hub for entertainment, with theaters like the Varieties Theater (later the Grand Opera House) and numerous movie houses such as the Saenger, Loews State, Orpheum, and Joy. The street was known for its vibrant neon marquees that illuminated the sidewalks nightly.

What is the significance of the St. Charles Hotel in relation to Canal Street's hotel history?

While not directly on Canal Street, the St. Charles Hotel on St. Charles Avenue was a notable 19th-century icon in the Central Business District, mentioned in the context of Canal Street's hotel development history.

What is the purpose of the Wikimedia Commons link associated with Canal Street?

The Wikimedia Commons link provides access to media files related to Canal Street in New Orleans, such as photographs and other visual resources, allowing users to explore the street's appearance and context further.

What is the role of the "NOLA Streets" Navbox in relation to Canal Street?

The "NOLA Streets" Navbox is a navigational template that lists various streets, squares, circles, pedestrian zones, highways, and expressways within New Orleans. Canal Street is included in this list, providing context within the city's broader street network.

What does the "City of New Orleans" Navbox provide context for regarding Canal Street?

The "City of New Orleans" Navbox offers a comprehensive overview of the city, including its topics like culture, history, economy, sports, and government, as well as its colleges and universities. Canal Street is situated within this larger framework of the city's identity and infrastructure.

What is the purpose of the Authority Control databases mentioned at the end of the article?

Authority Control databases, such as those from the Library of Congress (United States) and the National Library of Israel, help to standardize and link information about entities like Canal Street across different systems. The Yale LUX reference also serves to catalog its place within a specific collection.

Canal Street New Orleans Wiki: Canal Street: New Orleans' Historic Artery

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Introduction

A Defining Thoroughfare

Canal Street stands as a major thoroughfare within the vibrant city of New Orleans. Historically, it demarcated the boundary between the city's oldest neighborhood, the French Quarter (Vieux Carré), and the newer American Sector, which today constitutes the Central Business District. Its unique position has cemented its role as a critical nexus of cultural and commercial activity.

Origins and Naming

The street's genesis traces back to the early 1800s following the Louisiana Purchase. As New Orleans experienced an influx of diverse populations, particularly Americans settling uptown, a need arose for a clear division between the established Creole community in the Vieux Carré and the new arrivals. A canal was initially planned along this boundary, but it was never constructed. The street that replaced it adopted the name "Canal Street," a lasting testament to its intended purpose.^[3]

The "Neutral Ground"

The median of Canal Street became famously known as the "neutral ground," a term that originated from the cultural divide it represented between the city's Creole and American inhabitants. This nomenclature has since become ubiquitous in New Orleans, applied to all street medians throughout the city, reflecting Canal Street's enduring influence on local parlance.^[2]

Layout and Features

River to Cemeteries

Canal Street's extensive route begins at the Mississippi River, often referred to as its "head" or "front." Here, the Canal Street Ferry provides a vital connection to the historic Algiers Point neighborhood. The street then extends inland, traversing the Central Business District and continuing through the Mid-City neighborhood. Its opposite terminus is marked by a collection of historic cemeteries, a unique feature commemorated in local music.^[4]

Urban Design and Transit

Running east-west, Canal Street serves as a fundamental dividing line for the city's north-south cross streets, despite the overall layout following the Mississippi River's curve. Characterized by three lanes of traffic in each direction and a central streetcar line, it functions as the operational hub for the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA). The iconic Canal Streetcar Line operates along this historic corridor.^[5] Its remarkable width has earned it the distinction of being called "America's widest main street."^[5]

Commerce and Retail

Historical Retail Hub

For over a century, Canal Street was the preeminent shopping destination for Greater New Orleans. It was anchored by renowned regional department stores such as Maison Blanche, D. H. Holmes, Godchaux's, Gus Mayer, Labiche's, Kreeger's, and Krauss. These establishments, along with numerous specialty retailers like Adler's Jewelry and Rubenstein Men's Store, created a dynamic commercial landscape.

The evolution of department stores saw them expand from selling basic fabrics and notions to occupying multiple floors, enhanced by the integration of elevators and escalators. This transformation created more elegant and expansive shopping experiences.

Maison Blanche
D. H. Holmes
Godchaux's
Gus Mayer
Labiche's
Kreeger's
Krauss
Rubenstein Men's Store
Adler's Jewelry
Koslow's
Rapp's
Werlein's Music

Modern Retail Landscape

While Canal Street's dominance as a retail center began to wane in the late 1960s, influenced by national trends and regional economic downturns, it has seen periods of revitalization. Canal Place, for instance, features The Shops at Canal Place, housing Saks Fifth Avenue, a cinema complex, a food court, and various high-end retailers. Following damage from Hurricane Katrina, the mall and its anchor store were significantly renovated and reopened, underscoring the street's resilience.

Culture and Entertainment

Theaters and Early Cinema

New Orleans has long been a cultural hub, and Canal Street played a significant role in its entertainment history. The Varieties Theater, opening in 1871 and later renovated into the Grand Opera House, was a prominent venue. The intersection with Rampart Street became a focal point for numerous theaters and movie houses, including the Saenger, Loews State, Orpheum, and Joy, illuminated by vibrant neon marquees.

Birthplace of Cinema

Canal Street holds a notable place in cinematic history as the site of "Vitascope Hall," established in 1896, which is recognized as the world's first business dedicated to showing films for profit. By the 1910s, the street hosted several movie theaters, including the Alamo, Plaza, and Dreamworld, followed by the city's first "movie palace," the Trianon, in 1912. Although many of these grand establishments have since closed, cinemas continue to operate on Canal Street today.

Hospitality and Lodging

Historic Hotels

From the 1830s, Canal Street featured notable hotels such as the Union Hotel and the Planters Hotel near the riverfront. The Perry House was also a significant establishment on the street. By the 1920s, the number of hotels expanded considerably, including the LaSalle Hotel, Hotel New Orleans, and the Jung Hotel, known for its rooftop ballroom. The growth of the convention industry in the 1960s spurred the construction of hotels like the Governor House Motor Hotel and the International Hotel.

Conversions and Modern Presence

In a notable trend reflecting urban adaptation, several former department stores on Canal Street have been repurposed into hotels. The historic D. H. Holmes building now houses the Hyatt Centric French Quarter Hotel, while the former Maison Blanche store has been transformed into the New Orleans Ritz-Carlton Hotel. These conversions highlight the street's evolving economic landscape and its continued importance in the hospitality sector.

Urban Renewal and Development

Strategic Revitalization

In recent decades, business and civic leaders have pursued strategic initiatives to foster development and corporate presence along Canal Street. The Downtown Development District's "Canal Street Vision and Development Strategy" (2004) guided significant urban renewal efforts. These have included the introduction of new enterprises, the rehabilitation of historic structures, and the development of mixed-use properties, aiming to reinvigorate the street's economic and cultural vitality.

Biomedical and Infrastructure Growth

Beyond the downtown core, Canal Street's influence extends into the Mid-City neighborhood, which hosts the state-chartered BioDistrict New Orleans. This economic development zone is dedicated to fostering growth in the biomedical sector. Major infrastructure projects, including the construction of the University Medical Center and a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regional facility, represent substantial investments aimed at enhancing healthcare and economic opportunities in the area.

Community Initiatives

Recognizing the ongoing importance of Canal Street, community coalitions have emerged to support its continued redevelopment. In 2024, the formation of the "Celebrate Canal" coalition marked a renewed commitment from citizens and stakeholders to enhance the street's appeal and functionality, ensuring its relevance for future generations.

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References

https://nola.gov/nola/media/HDLC/Historic%20Districts/Canal-Street.pdf

New Orleans Maps (2012) Downtown Development District. Retrieved 2012-05-07.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Canal Street, New Orleans Wikipedia page

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This document has been generated by an AI for educational purposes, drawing upon publicly available data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended as an informational resource for academic study and may not encompass all nuances or the most current developments.

This is not professional advice. The content herein does not constitute architectural, urban planning, historical, or cultural consultation. Readers are encouraged to consult primary sources and qualified professionals for specific inquiries or project needs. Reliance on information from this page is solely at the user's own risk.

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Canal Street: New Orleans' Historic Artery

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction 📍

🗺️ A Defining Thoroughfare

📜 Origins and Naming

↔️ The "Neutral Ground"

Layout and Features 📏

🌊 River to Cemeteries

🛣️ Urban Design and Transit

Commerce and Retail 🛍️

🏢 Historical Retail Hub

🏙️ Modern Retail Landscape

Culture and Entertainment 🎭

🎬 Theaters and Early Cinema

🎞️ Birthplace of Cinema

Hospitality and Lodging 🏨

🛏️ Historic Hotels

🔄 Conversions and Modern Presence

Urban Renewal and Development 🏗️

📈 Strategic Revitalization

🔬 Biomedical and Infrastructure Growth

🤝 Community Initiatives

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Academic Integrity Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

A Defining Thoroughfare

Origins and Naming

The "Neutral Ground"

Layout and Features

River to Cemeteries

Urban Design and Transit

Commerce and Retail

Historical Retail Hub

Modern Retail Landscape

Culture and Entertainment

Theaters and Early Cinema

Birthplace of Cinema

Hospitality and Lodging

Historic Hotels

Conversions and Modern Presence

Urban Renewal and Development

Strategic Revitalization

Biomedical and Infrastructure Growth

Community Initiatives

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Academic Integrity Notice