Storyville, Red-light district in Tremé neighborhood, New Orleans, United States.
Storyville was a regulated red-light district in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, occupying a rectangular area bounded by North Robertson, Iberville, Basin, and St. Louis Streets near the French Quarter. Today, only three original buildings remain, including Frank Early's My Place Saloon at the intersection of Bienville and Crozat Streets.
City alderman Sidney Story established this regulated prostitution zone through municipal ordinance, operating officially from 1897 until 1917. The closure came during World War I under pressure from the U.S. Navy, which operated a military training base nearby.
Musicians including Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong performed in the district's mansions, saloons, and dance halls, contributing to early jazz development. These performances took place in a social environment where music and nightlife were closely intertwined.
The former district lies near the French Quarter and is easily reached on foot from Louis Armstrong Park. Visitors can view the few remaining historic buildings from the street, though most structures have long since disappeared.
The Blue Books published in this district contained detailed listings of sex workers, categorized by name, address, race, and religious background. These printed directories served as guides for visitors and are now rare historical documents.
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