Spanish Plaza Fountain and Mississippi Promenade
Why is it significant?
Step onto the broad brick-and-terrazzo expanse of Spanish Plaza, situated right at the edge of the Mississippi River where Poydras Street meets the waterfront.
Key Facts
| Place | Spanish Plaza Fountain and Mississippi Promenade |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States |
| Geo Coordinates | 29.94720, -90.06200 |
| Part of Walk | Warehouse and Arts District to Mississippi Riverfront: The American Sector |
| Generated | Generated |
Step onto the broad brick-and-terrazzo expanse of Spanish Plaza, situated right at the edge of the Mississippi River where Poydras Street meets the waterfront. Dedicated in 1976 during the American Bicentennial celebrations, this grand ceremonial plaza was presented as a gift to the people of New Orleans by the Kingdom of Spain to honor the vital contributions of Spanish rule to Louisiana from 1763 until 1803.
Look at the monumental fountain in the center of the plaza: measuring fifty feet in diameter, the circular fountain is adorned with hundreds of hand-painted ceramic Talavera tiles imported directly from Spain, showcasing the heraldic coats of arms of Spanish provinces and colonial governors.
Encircling the fountain are bronze seals of Spanish cities that played key roles in the exploration and colonization of the New World. It was under Spanish governors like Bernardo de Gálvez that Louisiana provided critical military and financial support to the American Revolution, routing British forces in Baton Rouge, Natchez, Mobile, and Pensacola. Furthermore, it was Spanish authorities who oversaw the complete architectural rebuilding of New Orleans following the devastating fires of 1788 and 1794, replacing timber cottages with the fireproof brick and stucco buildings, arched arcades, and wrought-iron balconies that define the French Quarter today. From the river railing of Spanish Plaza, you have an unobstructed view of the Mississippi River, watching powerful tugboats push massive grain barges down the brown, churning current toward the Gulf of Mexico.
Leaning against the river promenade railing as cool maritime breezes sweep across the water and steam calliopes play in the distance, the profound Spanish foundation of New Orleans surrounds you. It is a glorious riverside monument to centuries of transatlantic friendship.
Walk north along the riverfront promenade toward Canal Place and the Audubon Aquarium river overlook.