Congo Square is a popular place of interest in New Orleans. Today, it is a part of Louis Armstrong Park, where it is often a venue for many events. However, the earth that the Square was built upon has witnessed centuries worth of history. From the joyful celebrations of life to the darkest tragedies and painful trauma, this two-acre piece on land tells a story that is so unique that it can only be found in New Orleans.
Congo Square’s story begins long before anyone from Europe or Africa set foot in what is modern-day New Orleans. The Houmas people would use this location for harvest festivals. When New Orleans became a French colony, colonists brought with them enslaved Africans to work. One thing that must be addressed is the stark difference in how the enslaved population in New Orleans was able to keep their culture compared to those in English colonies. The French and Spanish allowed them to gather on Sunday afternoons. Both the enslaved and free Creoles of Color were allowed to sing, dance, sell goods, and congregate freely without consequences. This allowed those who are enslaved to earn enough money to purchase their freedom. It is also said that the Spanish believed that once the enslaved were exhausted, they would have no energy to practice Vodun (Sidenote, they would perform rituals and ceremonies in Congo Square regardless). After the Louisiana Purchase, Protestant slave owners would migrate to New Orleans, bringing their enslaved workers with them. Once New Orleans became an American city, white lawmakers would restrict any and all gatherings. Harsher treatments of the enslaved populations began sweeping through the city. As of result, the number of outdoor meetups decreased sharply. In other states, anyone who was enslaved was not allowed to gather in large numbers regardless of the time of day. This is due to white people’s fear of slave revolts such as the German Coast Uprising in 1811 and Nat Turner’s Revolt in 1831, as well as to prevent the enslaved from plotting escape attempts.
Since enslaved African Americans could no longer gather, free people of color began establishing music halls and social clubs to continue playing music and socialize with one another indoors to avoid conflicts with the white ruling class. Since they lived near and around Congo Square, free people of color were able to maintain their musical connections as it was common for entire families to dedicate their lives to music. Before the Purchase, free people of color were able to enjoy the mobility that they had as they had wealth and education. They commanded respect as they were able to build a life for themselves where they answered to no one. They ran their own businesses and held both white and blue-collar jobs. However, everything changed when America came to town. They were quickly regarded as second-class citizens as laws and ordinances restricted them to the point where they cannot own businesses that sold alcohol.