Key Players

Baroness Pontalba (Micaela Almonester Pontalba)
1795 - 1874

Micaela Almonester Pontalba grew up in New Orleans where she became the wealthiest woman in the city. During her adult life she spent most of her time living in France. Her father was a New Orleans politician and owner of colonial real estate, which left Micaela to a fortune after his passing. She married her cousin, Xavier Celestin de Pontalba, when she was fifteen. This marriage caused her misery as her father-in-law was after her fortune and the dangerous power her husband had over her assets. She had tried to get a separation for protect assets which caused her father-in-law to be angry and shooting Micaela four times. She survived the shooting, was allowed separation, and moved back to New Orleans. With her properties she built rows of historical homes known as the Pontalba Buildings in Jackson Square.

Andrew Jackson
1767 - 1845

Andrew Jackson became known to be a war hero and served as a major general during the War of 1812. British began the invasion of the United States with a plan to attack the south. Jackson had learned Britain's plan and arrived in New Orleans on December 1, 1814 to help strengthen the American Army. To successfully prepare he needed to declare marital law, suspending the citizens authority, and empowering his ability to make decisions. Jackson was able to successfully lead the troops to a victory during the Battle of New Orleans. There is a statue of him tipping his hat to victory in Jackson Square. 

Duc D'Orleans (Philippe D'Orleans)
1747 - 1793

Duc D'Orleans is a title that represents this families French Royalty and held the political role. Philippe was born in France and given the title of Duc De Charters as he was the nephew of King Louis XIV. He later moves on to gain the title of his own father as Due D' Orleans. He was a supporter of the French Revolution and became popular for his support of democracy and underprivileged. There had been family feud between him, the King, and the Kings wife due to different beliefs in financial policies. This caused Philippe to challenge his uncles authority and became a representative for the nobles to the state general. He became a hero to the underprivileged community with his liberal views.