THE OLD SPANISH BUILDING

At the corner of Royal and St. Anne streets, is delineated in the above engraving as it now stands—and long may it remain as a memorial of other times.

Thirty years ago—which, comparatively would take us back three centuries in any European city—thirty years ago, one might have seen from that spot, then the centre of the city, long perspective street-scenes of a similar character. Innovation has now done her work—has absolutely trodden the city of the last century under her feet.

The Casa Blanca, at the corner of Bienville and Old Levee Streets, has also escaped the general demolition. It was once the courtly residence of Bienville, the first governor of Louisiana—the seat of power, and the centre of wealth, beauty and fashion in the province. It is still on its old foundation, standing "alone in its glory," and the spirit of innovation has so far respected its ancient uses, that it is still a treasury of wealth, and a conservatory of the sweetness of our favored clime—a store house of sugar and molasses!

Environs of New Orleans.


EXCURSIONS

In consequence of the level surface of the country in the environs of New Orleans, a great variety of scenery cannot be expected—yet, on the northern shore of lake Pontchartrain, the ground is somewhat higher and rolling, and affords very pleasant positions. Although not formed like the prolific north and west, in hill and dale, cliffs and cascades, alternately varying and beautifying the landscape, yet there are charming rides and rambles in the neighborhood of this city, of which a more minute account will be given under their respective heads, which follow.

Carrolton, a distance of six miles by the rail-road, is an exceedingly pleasant resort. The line, for nearly a third of the way, passes through the suburbs of the city, and is dotted on either side with beautiful residences—the remainder passes through cultivated fields, pleasant pastures, and delightful wood-lands. The road, like the country, is perfectly level, and kept in the finest condition. At the end of the route is situated the village; which is principally composed of tastefully built cottages, constructed in every variety of architecture that suited the individual fancy of the owner. Opposite the rail-road depôt, is one of the handsomest and most extensive public gardens, that is to be found in the vicinity of New Orleans. A race course is near by; and the strolls around are quite cheering to those who fly from the turmoil and dust of the metropolis.

The shell road of the Canal and Banking Company, affords an agreeable ride to lake Pontchartrain, also a distance of six miles. The highway runs on the margin of the canal, and is not excelled by any road in the United States. It is the great resort for every species of pleasure vehicle that the city furnishes; and here may be seen, on an afternoon, all grades of society, from the gay sportsman, mounted on his fast trotter, to the sober citizen, who sallies forth on his ambling poney, all of whom appear to realize an equal share of enjoyment. A line of comfortably arranged barges also ply on the canal from the lake, at which place a convenient hotel is established. Half way on this road, between the city and the lake, is the highly celebrated Metairie race track.

The pontchartrain rail-road, runs to the lake from which it derives its name, from the head of Elysian Fields street, a distance of five miles. It is a very pretty ride. This route communicates with the great northern mail line, which goes by the way of Mobile—and all the steamboats, that traverse the lakes to the various villages and landings that surround it, make this their general starting point. From here, a passage is obtained to Biloxi, which, the reader will recollect, was the first spot settled by the French in this portion of the world; and, from that circumstance, will naturally excite the curiosity of the intelligent wayfarer. At the termination of this rail-road is a first-rate hotel for the accommodation of visitors. Here is good bathing, fishing and shooting; and, beneath the shade of the trees, the breeze from the water is delightfully refreshing.

The mexican gulf rail-road, runs from Elysian Fields street, on Good Children street, towards Lake Borgne. There are twenty eight miles of this road now in operation. When finished, it will afford considerable facilities to commerce, besides great benefit to the citizens, conveying them, in about one and a half hours, to the refreshing breeze of the ocean—where fish, oysters and game may be found in abundance. No doubt it will compete with the most favored watering places of Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Biloxi, &c. It will also be a great accommodation to the planters in the neighborhood—who already, so far as it goes, have given it good encouragement. This road has recently been purchased of the State, by A. Gordon and Co., who, availing themselves of about 22 miles of the Nashville rail-road iron, are bringing this work to a rapid completion.

The road of bayou st. john, which follows the sinuosities of that stream, and reaches lake Pontchartrain at the site of the old fort St. John, after travelling the distance of about six miles, presents a very pleasant drive. Returning by the new Shell road before mentioned, it varies the route without adding much to the distance.

Macdonough stands on the banks of the river opposite to New Orleans; and the crossing, in the hottest weather, is generally accompanied by a slight breeze, rendered cool and pleasant by the mighty current of the river, which comes from the icy springs of the Alleghanies and the Rocky mountains. The village, of itself, possesses no great beauty—but the country, the beautiful country is all around—and the noise and confusion of the city no longer annoy you. The great attraction at this spot is in visiting the United States marine hospital, one of the handsomest structures in Louisiana, which stands a little above.

Algiers adjoins, and seems a part of Macdonough. This is the great work-shop of New Orleans, for the building and repairing of vessels. It has its dry docks, and other facilities for the most extensive operations. In business times, it presents a scene of activity that is seldom observed in any other part of these regions, and reminds one of the bustling and enterprise of the North. The period has been when Algiers prescribed the law, vi et armis, to the city itself—but the day and the disposition, have happily long since passed away.

Gretna, on the same shore, is nearly two miles further up the river, and stands opposite Lafayette. The whole distance is spotted with comfortable residences, principally inhabited by the owners of the adjoining grounds, and the walk from Algiers to this village is very gratifying to one partial to such exercise. There is a steamboat constantly plying from here to the city, which affords a desirable excursion of nearly three miles, touching at Lafayette in its passage each way. The village has a rural appearance, is regularly laid out, and exhibits some neat tenements. The forest approaches quite near; and, the idea that one may so easily lose himself in the neighboring woods, gives to the place a touch of romance which only the denizens of a crowded city know how to appreciate. From the great number of cattle observed along the shore, it would seem as if there was no necessity of diluting the milk for the New Orleans market, unless the milkmen be tea-total temperance men, and take this method to introduce the inhabitants gradually to a taste for water.

The race courses. There are three of these in the vicinity of this city. The Louisiana, near lake Pontchartrain; the Metairie, near the Shell road; and the one at Carrolton. These are as well patronised as any in the country, and, in the racing season, the inhabitants of the neighboring states, from a great distance, flock hither to participate in the sports of the turf. Much praise has been bestowed upon the arrangements on these occasions. Even here, as in many other countries, the ladies, by their presence, have given them countenance and encouragement—and the course usually is "gemmed by the rich beauty of the sunny south."

The battle ground, (formerly known as "the Plains of Chalmette,") the very naming of which causes the bosom of an American to swell with patriotic pride, lies five miles below the city. It may be approached either by the Grand Gulf rail-road, or by a good highway along the levee, the new Convent and United States barracks being within full view. But first it may be necessary to look briefly at the historical facts which give celebrity to the spot.

Early in December, 1814, the British approached New Orleans, about 8000 strong, by the way of the lakes Borgne and Pontchartrain. Their passage into the lake was opposed by a squadron of gun-boats under Lieut. Jones. After a spirited conflict, in which the killed (500) and the wounded of the enemy exceeded the whole American force, he was compelled to surrender to superior numbers.

On the 21st of Dec. four thousand militia arrived from Kentucky and Tennessee, under General Jackson. On the 22nd, the enemy having previously landed, took a position near the Mississippi, eight miles below the city. On the evening of the 23d, the Americans made a furious attack upon their camp, and threw them into disorder, with five hundred of their men killed. The enemy rallied; and Gen. Jackson withdrew his troops, and fortified a strong position six miles below the city, supported by batteries on the west side of the river. Here he was unsuccessfully assailed on the 28th of Dec. and 1st of Jan., the enemy losing two hundred to three hundred men. In the mean time both armies received reinforcements.

The decisive battle was fought on the 8th day of Jan. 1815. The American right was on the river, running in a right angle to the wood. A redoubt was raised (which is still visible) strengthened by bales of cotton along the whole line. The enemy were about a half mile lower down, on a parallel line, their head quarters resting on the river, near three large oaks which still mark the spot. The scene is distinct, and this is the battle ground.

The British commenced the assault at day light. As they approached the works, sixty deep, many were killed by grape shot; but, when they came within musket range, a destructive stream of fire burst forth from the American lines. Our troops were placed in two ranks, the rear loading while the front fired, thus pouring an incessant peal—which, from Kentucky and Tennessee riflemen, was most deadly. While leading on the troops of the enemy, Gen. Pakenham, the chief in command, was killed; Gen. Gibbs, the second in command, was wounded mortally; and Gen. Keene severely. Without officers to direct them, the troops halted, fell back, and soon fled in confusion to their camp. In a little over an hour, two thousand out of eight thousand veterans lay dead upon the field, while the Americans had but seven killed and six wounded—a disproportion unparalleled in the history of warfare. Gen. Lambert, upon whom the command then devolved, after one more unsuccessful attempt to assault, availed himself of a truce of twenty-four hours to bury the dead, made good his retreat—which Gen. Jackson felt no disposition to molest, as he was resolved to hazard none of his advantages. Thus was New Orleans saved from the hands of an invading enemy whose War cry was—"Beauty and Booty."

The British lost during the month they were in Louisiana, more than three thousand three hundred and fifty in killed, while the loss of the Americans was not two hundred. The wounded of the enemy must have been much less, on account of the sure aim of the backwoodsmen. The greater portion of our army were plain honest farmers—who knew nothing of battle—they heard that their country was in danger—the country which gave a home to them, and their children, and they flew to its defence,—drove the invaders from their shores, and then returned to their homes to till the ground.

It is not a matter of surprise—though the battle is without a parallel in the history of the world—that even "invincibles," were so dreadfully routed by undisciplined backwoodsmen defending their native soil, with their wives and children behind them.

A jaunt to these grounds is a sort of pilgrimage, that no stranger will, that no citizen can neglect. Not to have seen the field of this great victory, would be a reflection upon the taste, not to say the patriotism of any who should visit our city. The ground it is true, presents few memorials to remind the patriotic visitor of the deadly strife. There is no proud monument, towering to the sky, to mark the place where the great victory was won. But he beholds the consequences wherever he turns his eye, and he feels them—deeply feels them in every throb of his heart. Those born upon the soil, and those who participated in the struggle, have reason to be proud of the spot, and to cherish the memory of that eventful day. If there is no lofty structure of granite or marble, to perpetuate the glorious achievement, it has a holier, a more enduring memorial in the heart of every true American, which thrills with lofty pride at every allusion to it, as did the ancient Greek at the name of Marathon, or the Spartan at that of Thermopylæ.


TRAVELLING ROUTES

The facilities which this metropolis affords for reaching any accessible portion of the world, particularly all sections of the union, are not excelled. Steam and sailing ships of the first class, hold commercial intercourse with almost every nation. Steamboats, with accommodations equal to the best regulated hotels, are plying through every river and bayou. Four to five thousand miles can be achieved, in those floating palaces, with perfect ease, and comparative safety.

The principal routes between the north and the south are here given, as also the intermediate places, together with those inland most frequented by the traveller and the man of business, and the distances carefully noted as they diverge, in their various directions. Beside the four annexed routes to New York, there are several that lead to favorite watering places, and other points attractive to travellers of leisure, which it would be quite impracticable to lay down in a work of this kind. They can always obtain information of these resorts, from intelligent companions on the road, that will prevent their deviating much from the point they wish to attain. The distances on the river have been corrected agreeably to the latest survey. The other routes conform to the most approved authorities; and, frequently, have been corrected by personal observation, with the utmost care and attention.

Route 1.—From New Orleans to New York, via Pittsburgh, Pa., by Steamboat.

Miles.
New Orleans to Carrolton, 6
Red Church,2026
Bonne Carre Church,1642
Jefferson College,2264
Donaldsonsville,1983
Louisiana Institute,1295
St. Gabriel Church,12107
Plaquemine,10117
Baton Rouge,23140
Port Hudson,25165
Bayou Sara,11176
Tunica Bend,27203
Red River, cut off,33236
Fort Adams, Miss.,11247
Homo Chitta River, Miss.,10257
Ellise Cliffs, Miss.,26283
Natchez, Miss.,18301
Rodney, Miss.,31332
Bruinsburg, Miss.,12344
Grand Gulf, (big black) Miss.,10354
Carthage, Miss.,25379
Warrenton, Miss.,19398
Vicksburg, Miss.,10408
Old River, (Yazoo,) Miss.,12420
Tompkins' Bend,46466
Providence, La.,15481
Bunch Bend,19500
Princeton, Miss.,10510
Columbia, Ark.,45555
Bolivar, Miss.,53608
Napoleon, (Arkansas,)12620
Victoria,20640
Delta,66706
Helena,10716
Sterling,10726
Peyton, Miss.,12738
Commerce,33771
Buck Island,6777
Memphis, Tenn.,21798
Devil's Race Ground,34832
Randolph, Tenn.,33865
Fulton, Tenn.,11876
Plumb Point,10886
Ashport,12898
Needham's Cut-off,8906
Walker's Bend,31937
Riddel's Point,18955
New Madrid, Mo.,10965
Mills' Point,421007
Columbus, K.,151022
Cairo, (Mo'th Ohio R'r.) Il.,181040
Trinity,61046
America, Il.,51051
Caledonia, Il.,31054
Fort Massac, Il.,231077
Paducah, (M. Tenn R'r) K.,81085
Smithfield, (M. Cum'd) K.,11097
Golconda, Il.,181115
Tower Rock,151130
Cave in the Rock,51135
Battery Rock,91144
Shawneetown, Il.,121156
Raleigh, K.,61162
Wabash River,61168
Carthage, K.,71175
Mount Vernon, Ia.,131188
Henderson, K.,281216
Evanville, Ia.,121228
Owensboro, K.,361264
Rockport,121276
Troy, Ia.,161292
Cloverport,211313
Stephensport, K., and Rome, Ia.,101323
Fredonia,341357
Leavenworth,21359
Mauckport, Ia.,141373
Brandenburg,31376
West Point, K.,181394
Portland, K., and New Albany, Ia.,201414
Shippingport,11415
Louisville, K.,31418
Jeffersonville, Ia.,11419
Westport, K.,191438
Bethlehem,61444
New London,61450
Madison, Ia.,71457
Port William, K.,141471
Vevay, Ia., and Ghent K.,81479
Warsaw, K.,111490
Rising Sun, Ia.,201510
Bellevue,21512
Petersburg,71519
Aurora,21521
Lawrenceburg,31524
North Bend,71531
Cincinnati, O., and Covington and Newport, K.,171548
Columbia,81556
Richmond,131569
Point Pleasant,41573
Macon,41577
Neville,31580
Mechanicsburg, O.,31583
Augusta,71590
Levana, O., and Dover, K.,21592
Ripley, O.,31595
Charleston, K.,51600
Maysville, K., and Aberdeen, O.,71607
Manchester, O.,111618
Vanceburg, K.,161634
Alexandria,181652
Portsmouth, O.,21654
Concord, O.,81662
Greenupsburg, K.,131674
Burlington, O.,231697
Guyandot, Va.,71704
Galliopolis, O.,351739
Point Pleasant,31742
Letart's Rapids,301772
Belleville, Va.,281800
Troy, O.,51805
Belpie and Blennerhassett's Island,121817
Parkersburg, Va.,21819
Vienna, Va.,51824
Marietta, O.,61830
Newport, O.,151845
Sistersville,271872
Wheeling, Va.,401912
Warren,91921
Wellsburg, Va.,61927
Steubenville,71934
Welleville, O.,201954
Georgetown,71962
Beaver,131974
Economy,121986
Middletown, Pa.,81994
Pittsburgh, Pa.,102004
Warrenton, by Canal,472051
Blairsville, do282079
Johnstown, do292108
Hollidaysburg, by rail-road,372145
Alexandria, by Canal,262171
Lewiston, do572228
Newport, do362264
Harrisburg, do262290
Philadelphia, by rail-road,1012391
Trenton, do282419
Brunswick, do272446
Jersey City, do312477
New York, by steamboat,12478

Route 2.—New Orleans to New York, via St. Louis, Chicago and Buffalo, (see route 1.) to Mouth of the Ohio, Steamboat to St. Joseph.

Miles.
Mouth of Ohio, 1040
Elk Island,81048
Dogtooth Island,81056
English Island,151071
Cape Girardeau, Mo.,121083
Bainbridge, Mo., and Hamburg, Il.,101093
Lacouse's Island,311124
Kaskaskia River,151139
River au Vases,101149
St. Genevieve, Mo.,91158
Fort Chartres Island,101168
Rush Island,101178
Herculaneum, Mo.,101188
Harrison, Il.,11189
Merrimack River,111200
Carondelet, Mo.,131213
St. Louis, Mo.,71220
Alton, Il.,221242
Illinois River,151257
Monroe,51262
Guilford,101272
Montezuma,201292
Augusta,151307
Meridosia,231330
Beardstown,161346
Havana,271373
Pekin,341407
Peoria,71414
Henry,101424
Columbia,101434
Lacon,41438
Hennepin,181456
Chippeway,161472
Shippingport,21474
Dresden,461520
Mount Joliet,151535
Lockport,61541
Chicago, Il.,291570
Michigan City, Ind.,521622
New Buffalo, M.,121634
St. Joseph, M.,281662
Detroit, by rail-road,2001862
Fighting Island, by steamboat121874
Amhurstsburg, U. C., do61880
Middle Sister Island, do201900
North Bass Island, do101910
Cunningham's Island, do101920
Sandusky, O., do121932
Cleaveland, O., do541986
Fairport, O., do302016
Ashtabula, O., do322048
Fairview, Pa., do282076
Erie, Pa., do112087
Bugett's Town, Pa., do172104
Portland, N. Y., do182122
Dunkirk, N. Y., do182140
Cattaraugus, N. Y., do132153
Sturgeon Point, N. Y., do102163
Buffalo, N. Y., do162179
Williamsville, by rail-road,102189
Pembroke, do162205
Batavia, do142219
Rochester, do252244
Canandagua, do252269
Geneva, do162285
Waterloo, do72292
Seneca Falls, do42296
Cayuga, do32299
Auburn, do92308
Skaneatelas do72315
Marcellus, do62321
Onondaga, do82329
Manlius, do122341
Oneida, do182359
Utica, do222381
Herkimer, do162397
Little Falls, do72404
Caughnawaga, do332437
Amsterdam, do102447
Schenectady, do152462
Albany, do152477
New Baltimore, steamboat,152492
Kinderhook Landing, do42496
Hudson, do92505
Catskill, do52510
Clermont, do92519
Redhook, upper landing,22521
Redhook, lower do32524
Rhinebeck, do72531
Esopus, do12532
Hyde Park, do92541
Poughkeepsie, do52546
New Hamburg, do82554
Newburg, do72561
Fishkill, do12562
New Windsor, do12563
Cold Spring, by steamboat,32566
West Point, do32569
St. Anthony's Nose, do72576
Fort Fayette, do52581
Stony Point, do12582
Haverstraw, do42586
Sing Sing, do32589
Tarrytown, do62595
Phillipstown, do102605
Fort Independence, do42609
Fort Washington, do22611
Fort Lee, do12612
Manhattanville, do22614
New York, do82622

Route 3.—New Orleans to New York, via Wheeling and Baltimore.

Miles.
To Wheeling, by steamboat, (see route 1.) 1912
Cumberland, by stage,1312043
Hancocktown, Md., rail-road392082
Williamsport, Md., do272109
Frederickstown, Md., do272136
Poplar, Md., do202156
Ellicott's, Md., do172173
Baltimore, Md., do102183
Havre de Grace, Del., do312214
Wilmington, Del., do362250
Philadelphia, Pa., do262276
New York, (see route 2.)882364

Route 4.—New Orleans to New York, Mail line.

Miles.
Point Pontchartrain, by rail-road,5
Fort Pike, by steamboat2126
Bay St. Louis, do3359
Biloxi, do3190
Pascagoula, Miss., do20110
Cedar Point, Al., do26136
Mobile, Al., do28164
Junction of Alabama and Tombigbee river, do65229
Claiborne, do72301
Black Bluff, do46347
Dale Town, do35382
Canton, do14396
Portland, do29425
Cahaba, do21446
Selma, do18464
Benton, do35499
Vernon, do39538
Loch Ranza, do6544
Washington, do16560
Montgomery, do12572
Chehaw, Al., by rail-road,40612
Covington, Ga., by stage,155767
Augusta, Ga., by rail-road,121888
Charleston, S. C., do1361024
Wilmington, N. C., by steamboat,2201244
Weldon, N. C., rail-road,1701414
Richmond, Va., do1241538
Washington City, do1221660
Baltimore, Md., do401700
New York, (see route 3.)1811881

Route 5.—New Orleans to Fort Gibson by steamboat.

Miles.
Arkansas river, (see route 1.)620
Arkansas,62682
New Gascony,71753
Pine Bluff,25778
Little Rock,150928
Lewisburg,66994
Scotia,501044
Morrison's Bluff,331077
Van Buren,721149
Fort Smith,81157
Fort Coffee, Mo.,101167
Fort Gibson,841251

Route 6.—New Orleans to Balize, and Gulf of Mexico, by Steamboat.

Miles.
Battle Ground,5
English Turn,611
Fort St. Leon,516
Poverty Point,1834
Grand Prairie,2761
Fort St. Philip,970
South West Pass,979
South Pass,281
Pass a' l'Outre,283
Balize,487
Gulf,592

Route 7.—New Orleans to the Raft on Red River, by Steamboat.

Miles.
Mouth of Red River,236
Black River,28264
Bayou Saline,20284
Alexandria,56340
Regolet de Bondieu,18358
Bayou Cane,36394
Natchitoches,24418
Bastian's Landing,40458
The Raft,40498

Route 8.—New Orleans to Pittsburg, Miss., by Steamboat.

Miles.
Mouth of Yazoo River, Miss.,420
Satartia,66486
Liverpool,5491
Manchester,25516
Tchula,88604
Marion,37641
Mouth of Yalo Busha river,33674
Cochuma,38712
Pittsburg,27739

Route 9.—New Orleans to Nashville, Tenn., by Steamboat.

Miles.
Cumberland river,1097
Eddyville, K.,561153
Canton,201173
Dover, Tenn.,301203
Palmyra,311234
Red River,61240
Harpeth River,201260
Nashville,401300

Route 10.—New Orleans to Florence, Al., by Steamboat.

Miles.
Tennessee River,1085
Petersville, Tenn.,711156
Reynoldsburg,361192
Perryville,421234
Carrollville,271261
Coffee,261287
Savannah,91296
Waterloo,251321
Bear Creek,121333
Colbert's Ferry, Tenn.,141347
Florence, Al.,241371

GENERAL INDEX


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