Walking Tour About the Good, the Bad and the Beautiful Women of New Orleans

Uncover the captivating stories of New Orleans’ most influential women on this walking tour. From the notorious Madame LaLaurie to the trailblazing Henriette Delille, explore how these remarkable individuals shaped the city’s past. As you stroll through iconic landmarks, you’ll learn about the pioneering Ursuline Nuns and discover the vibrant legacies of those who defied societal norms. This journey promises to shed light on the city’s complex history and the enduring impact of its extraordinary female figures.

Key Points

• Explore the complex history of New Orleans through the stories of prominent female figures, from notorious socialites to trailblazing women’s rights champions.
• Discover the legacy of Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a notorious socialite, and May Bransford, a successful madam and women’s rights advocate.
• Learn about Madame Micaela Almonester de Pontalba, a powerful businesswoman who commissioned the iconic Pontalbas flanking Jackson Square.
• Uncover the inspiring story of Henriette Delille, a devout African American woman who founded the Sisters of the Holy Family, the first Catholic order for women of color.
• Gain insights into the influential Ursuline Nuns, who established the first Catholic school for girls, hospital, and orphanage in New Orleans.

Bourbon Street’s Alternate History

As the walking tour begins on Bourbon Street, travelers discover an alternate history that challenges common perceptions.

This infamous street is more than just the hub of indulgence and debauchery. It was once home to prominent female figures who defied societal norms.

Visitors learn about Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a notorious socialite accused of horrific crimes against her enslaved servants.

They also explore the story of May Bransford, a successful madam who championed women’s rights.

Through these tales, the tour provides a unique perspective on the complex and multifaceted history of New Orleans’ most iconic street.

Barones Pontalba in Jackson Square

From Jackson Square, the walking tour continues to the iconic Barones Pontalba.

Madame Micaela Almonester de Pontalba was a powerful businesswoman and civic leader in 19th-century New Orleans. She commissioned the Pontalbas, the iconic townhouses flanking Jackson Square, which still stand today.

The tour guide shares Madame Pontalba’s inspiring story – how she overcame domestic abuse, fought for her inheritance, and built a real estate empire.

Her legacy is the vibrant, historic center of the French Quarter that bears her name. Travelers learn how this remarkable woman shaped New Orleans through her vision, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Henriette Delille’s Bid for Sainthood

Next, the tour explores the history of Henriette Delille, a devout African American woman who dedicated her life to serving the enslaved and free people of color in 19th-century New Orleans.

Born in 1812, Delille founded the Sisters of the Holy Family, the first Catholic religious order for women of color in the United States.

She worked tirelessly to provide education, health care, and spiritual guidance to the marginalized communities in the city.

Delille dedicated her life to providing education, healthcare, and spiritual guidance to marginalized communities in 19th-century New Orleans.

Delille’s selfless acts and devotion to her faith have led the Catholic Church to consider her for sainthood, a remarkable achievement for a woman of color in that era.

The Influential Ursuline Nuns

The walking tour also explores the history and influence of the Ursuline nuns in New Orleans.

Arriving in the early 1700s, the Ursuline nuns established the first Catholic school for girls in the city. They also founded the first Catholic hospital and orphanage.

The nuns played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and religious life of New Orleans.

Today, the Ursuline Convent, the oldest surviving example of French colonial architecture in the city, still stands as a testament to their enduring legacy.

Visitors on the tour will learn about the Ursuline nuns’ significant impact on the city’s development.

Discovering the City’s Pioneering Women

Although the Ursuline nuns laid the foundations for New Orleans’ cultural and religious life, the walking tour also spotlights the city’s pioneering women across various fields.

Participants learn about Baroness Micaela Almonester de Pontalba, an influential 19th-century landowner who shaped the architecture of Jackson Square.

The tour also highlights Henriette Delille, a free woman of color who founded a religious order and is currently under consideration for sainthood.

From politics to entertainment, the tour celebrates the contributions of New Orleans’ remarkable women who left indelible marks on the city’s history.

Accessibility and Requirements

While the walking tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, it requires a moderate level of physical fitness. The tour route covers approximately one mile and includes stops outside at each location.

Travelers should consider their physical abilities before booking:

• The tour is near public transportation but doesn’t enter buildings.

• Service animals are allowed, but breathing problems may be an issue due to humidity.

• A minimum of 4 guests is required to run the tour.

• Gratuities aren’t included but appreciated, and no food or drink is provided.

• Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Recommendations and Precautions

To combat the humid New Orleans climate, visitors are encouraged to bring sunscreen, a hat, an umbrella, and sunglasses.

Staying hydrated is crucial to avoid any disruptions to the tour. Each stop outside will last at least 10 minutes, so guests should be prepared for the conditions.

The tour isn’t recommended for those with walking or standing difficulties, as it covers approximately one mile.

While gratuities aren’t included, they’re appreciated by the guide.

Confirmation of the booking will be received at the time of purchase.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This walking tour in New Orleans, titled "The Good, The Bad and The Beautiful Women of New Orleans," offers a unique perspective on the city’s history.

The tour focuses on the significant contributions of women across diverse fields, including politics, piracy, entertainment, culinary arts, and science.

This walking tour explores the significant contributions of women in New Orleans across politics, piracy, entertainment, culinary arts, and science.

Highlights include:

• Strolling Bourbon Street for an alternate history

• Learning about Baroness Pontalba in Jackson Square

• Hearing about Henriette Delille’s bid for sainthood at St. Louis Cathedral

• Discovering the history of the Ursuline nuns in the city

• Visiting each location, though not entering the buildings.

The tour covers approximately one mile and accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers.

It’s the only one of its kind in New Orleans.

The Sum Up

The "Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful Women of New Orleans" walking tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s rich history. Visitors can explore the remarkable stories of influential women who shaped New Orleans, from the daring Madame Delphine LaLaurie to the trailblazing Henriette Delille. This journey highlights the resilience and impact of these extraordinary women, providing a unique perspective on the city’s past.