With branches that soar into the sky and reach out to touch the ground (just begging to be climbed on), some of the oak trees in City Park are over 600 years old. They have survived numerous hurricanes and the tendency of man to clear a path for progress. They sheltered the original Native American inhabitants that lived along the banks of Bayou St. John. They were witness to many duels of honor right into the 1800's. These live oaks were watching over the bayous and swamps long before the French and Spanish showed up to settle the area.
From the City Park website:
City Park's oldest and largest live oaks are located along the vestiges of old Bayou Metairie, a remnant of an ancient distributary of the Mississippi River. The McDonogh estimated at 600 years old, Dueling and Suicide Oaks are among the remnants of this ancient forest that started long before Iberville and Bienville first scouted the area for a site to build the city and port that became New Orleans.
Driving through City Park on a weekday (especially during the school year), you can always find an unoccupied place to stake a claim under one of these magnificent trees. Spread a blanket, sit back, relax and let history wash over you.
More about live oaks in City Park
History of City Park, New Orleans
For information about home buying or selling in New Orleans, or relocating to or from NAS JRB New Orleans, please contact the West Bank Living Team. It would be our pleasure to assist you with any of your real estate needs and have a little fun while welcoming you to our community.
Truly, no one does localism like you do. I love your posts! I have to come down there and visit the city I came to love while reading all of those Anne Rice vampire and witches novels!
City Park is indeed back and looking good again. Another great post keep it up.
Beautiful photos of the park and as Susan noted an excellent Localism post!
Lisa, I needed a little peace about now this morning. The Oak with the moss are great to reflect and reminder our selves of easier times.
Susan, well, what are you waiting for? Spring is coming....the perfect time to visit :)
John, there is a lot of work going on in the park right now. I'm so pleased to see the improvements!
Russell, thank you!
Frank, glad I could help :)
Lisa, I would absolutely love this! I can just imagine sitting under these magnificent trees and letting your mind wander---they are gorgeous!
Lisa, I think this is one of your coolest post for New Orleans. Wonderful...and GO SAINTS!!!!!!!!!!!
We just got back from St Augustine and they have quite a few Live Oaks it is a great view.
those trees are gorgeous, I have found that throughout New Orleans there are just the most magnificant trees. thanks for the pictures.
Lisa, The live oaks are awesome. I find the swamps to have an artistic draw to them too.
Cool! Think about what those trees have seen. If only they could tell us more...
Hi Lisa ~ I didn't know this but if I make it down for NAR I'll be sure to check out the live oaks at City Park. I love trees and these are just gorgeous.
Liz
Awesome pictures, one of these days I am coming to visit your town and the park. I bet it is beautiful.