The Index

Neutral Ground

In New Orleans, "neutral ground" refers to a strip of land that was originally intended to serve as a neutral area between the city and the surrounding areas. The term "neutral ground" is used in reference to the median strip of a street, particularly the wide median strip of St. Charles Avenue.

The practice of creating a neutral ground can be traced back to the early days of the city when it was still a French colony. The French established the neutral ground as a way to maintain order and separate the city from the surrounding rural areas. It also served as a barrier to protect the city from flooding.

After the Louisiana Purchase, the neutral ground continued to serve as a dividing line between the city and the surrounding areas. Over time, the neutral ground became a popular spot for residents to gather and socialize. It was also used for parades and other public events, and the use of the neutral ground for such purposes continues to this day.

In summary, the "neutral ground" in New Orleans refers to the median strip of a street, particularly the wide median strip of St. Charles Avenue, that was originally intended to serve as a neutral area between the city and the surrounding areas to maintain order and separate the city from the surrounding rural areas. Nowadays, it's a popular spot for residents to gather and socialize and for parades and other public events.

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