The Great Depression saw further market uncertainties . Renovated entirely by the Works Progress Administration in a city-funded project to beautify the Quarter , the market modernized throughout the 1930s . Organized by the 1932 French Market Corporation , the market ’ s extensive renovations proved costly ; by 1939 , the city government stepped in to repay the corporation ’ s outstanding debts . Through the 20th century , the city ’ s government and the corporation went through several lease arrangements to finance the market ’ s continued developments , eventually settling on a 40-year lease with the corporation in 1971 . To the dismay of some long-time visitors and vendors , the entire market was rebuilt , reconstructed ,
and sanitized through the 1970s , almost beyond recognition . But the market gained a parking lot , a Visitor ’ s Center , a Jazz National Park , and a flea market , where some of the city ’ s most unique and fashionable art and jewelry continue to be sold .
The French Market retains its soul , its vibrant intercultural character , in serving only the freshest products and the finest materials from vendors whose family traditions stretch as far back as the very roots of the market . At the city ’ s bicentennial , the New Orleans French Market Board extended a hand to the Louisiana Office of Indian Affairs , respecting the Native contribution to the French Market ’ s early establishment . The Times-Picayune also ran a column in 2018 which focused on 300 influential New Orleanians , among them the Creole Wild West , the first New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian tribe , and vendor Rose Nicaud .
Despite our post-COVID environment , the French Market shines a curious light on our need for connectivity , regardless of color or creed , in a self-reforming space that is nevertheless tethered to its own history . Our enduring market does just that — as it has , and as it will , for as long as there remains a New Orleans to service .
The French Market is still a destination for shopping and entertainment , and is always a great place to spend an afternoon . Café du Monde is a must-visit in the French Market area , as it is the oldest tenant of the market , dating back to 1862 . Order some beignets and steaming café au lait and enjoy people watching as you sip .
28 | The French Quarterly