If you have ever rolled dice in a casino, walked down Frenchmen Street, or spent a night in the Marigny, you can thank a Creole aristocrat who inherited a fortune at 15 and spent the rest of his life losing it spectacularly. Bernard de Marigny was a gambler, duelist, politician, and land developer.
Born Rich, Stayed Interesting
Born in New Orleans in 1785 into one of the colony's wealthiest Creole families, the 15-year-old Bernard inherited a massive plantation. His guardians shipped him to England hoping to civilize him. What he brought back was a dice game called Hazard, which became craps.
Building the Marigny
In 1805, Bernard subdivided his plantation into building lots, creating the Faubourg Marigny. He named streets with flair: Rue d'Amour, Rue des Bons Enfants, and Craps Street. He funded the first organized Mardi Gras celebration in 1833.
Losing It All
Levee breaks and bankruptcy took everything. He died in 1868, nearly broke, buried in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Today the Marigny is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in New Orleans.
Dirty Coast Connection
Come Hell Or Bywater and Marigny Triangle celebrate the neighborhoods Marigny helped create. Be A New Orleanian Wherever You Are.
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