Old U.S. Mint
New Orleans
The Old U.S. Mint is the old mint of New Orleans, on Esplanade Avenue at the edge of the French Quarter. It is home to the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
A mint in the South
In 1835 the government decided to open three new mints, one of them here. The city was a great river port, rich in trade. The building is neoclassical, elegant and symmetrical, with a large garden around it.
Millions of coins
The mint began striking coins in 1838 and closed in 1909. In all it produced millions of coins, in almost every value. Laborers, clerks and also many women worked inside. The coins left from the port for the whole South of the country.
After the coins
After 1909 the building housed various federal offices. Later it was carefully restored, together with its garden.
The home of jazz
Today the building tells the story of jazz and of the city's great musicians. Jazz was born here, in the streets and dance halls of New Orleans. From here it spread all over the world. In front of the building, Esplanade Avenue is a quiet boulevard. It is a lovely place to rest at the end of the day.
