1. The Storyville District was a red-light district in New Orleans that operated from 1897 to 1917. It was named after a city alderman, Sidney Story, who proposed the area as a legal prostitution district. The district was located just north of the French Quarter and was originally intended to regulate and control prostitution in New Orleans. However, it quickly became a hub for gambling, drugs, and organized crime. The district was shut down in 1917 as part of the federal government’s crackdown on vice during World War I. Despite its short-lived existence, the Storyville District had a significant impact on the development of jazz music, as many jazz musicians got their start playing in the district’s bars and clubs.
2. The Storyville District no longer exists as a physical location. However, there are several museums and tours in New Orleans that offer information and insights into the district’s history. The Storyville Jazz Museum is located in the Historic New Orleans Collection and is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:30am-4:30pm. Another option is the French Quarter Phantoms Walking Tour, which covers the history of the Storyville District as well as other aspects of New Orleans’ rich and colorful past. Their phone number is (504) 666-8300.
3. The Storyville Jazz Museum is free and open to the public. The French Quarter Phantoms Walking Tour costs approximately $25 per person and lasts about two hours. Transportation to the area will depend on where you are staying in New Orleans. Public transportation, taxis, and ride-sharing services are all available options.
