Neighborhood: Treme

Neighborhood Overview

Tremé (pronounced "truh-MAY"), often described as America's oldest African American neighborhood, lies just north of the French Quarter in New Orleans. This culturally significant community has been at the heart of the city's musical and cultural development for over two centuries. Bounded by North Rampart Street, St. Bernard Avenue, North Broad Street, and Orleans Avenue/Basin Street, Tremé's rich history and central location make it both culturally invaluable and increasingly vulnerable to development pressures.

Quick Facts

Population: Approximately 6,300 residents (down from 8,800 pre-Katrina)
Demographics: Historically African American, with increasing diversity in recent years
Housing: Mix of historic Creole cottages, shotgun homes, and newly constructed properties
Historic Significance: Birthplace of jazz, home to Congo Square, center of brass band traditions and social aid and pleasure clubs

Free Spaces To Visit

Louis Armstrong Park & Congo Square

701 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116
A sacred site in African American history, Congo Square was where enslaved and free people of color gathered to drum, dance, and preserve African traditions. The park also features statues of jazz legends, public art, and the Mahalia Jackson Theater.

St. Augustine Catholic Church & Tomb of the Unknown Slave

1210 Gov. Nicholls St., New Orleans, LA 70116
Founded in 1841, it’s one of the oldest Black Catholic parishes in the U.S. The churchyard’s iron cross memorial honors enslaved people who died unnamed — a profound and moving public site open daily.

Backstreet Cultural Museum (Free courtyard access; donations encouraged for entry)

1531 St. Philip St., New Orleans, LA 70116
While admission supports the museum, its exterior murals and the surrounding neighborhood’s architecture tell stories of Mardi Gras Indians, social aid clubs, and Tremé’s role in preserving Black culture.

Claiborne Avenue Neutral Ground Murals

Claiborne Ave. under the I-10 overpass (between Esplanade & Orleans Ave.)
The pillars beneath the highway are painted with vivid community murals depicting second lines, Mardi Gras Indians, and neighborhood history — a public outdoor art gallery and cultural monument.

Lafitte Greenway Trail (Tremé Entrance)

Starts near Basin & St. Louis Streets, New Orleans, LA 70112
This 2.6-mile linear park begins in Tremé and extends to Mid-City. It’s perfect for walking, biking, or exploring native plant landscaping and public art installations along the way.