Bywater

Bywater is a neighborhood in New Orleans bounded by Florida Avenue, the Industrial Canal, the Mississippi River, and railroad tracks along Homer Plessy Way. The area is made up of residential streets with houses and local shops that reflect the character of a long-settled urban community.

The area was developed from former plantation land in the early 1800s and attracted settlers from France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Ireland who shaped its character. This international mix became fundamental to how the neighborhood grew and what it became.

The Society of Saint Anne marching krewe begins its Mardi Gras procession here before moving toward the French Quarter, keeping a tradition alive that draws locals and visitors. The neighborhood serves as a starting point for celebrations that reflect how residents connect with their city's identity.

The neighborhood is easy to walk through with clear streets that help you get your bearings as you explore. Wear comfortable shoes and be aware that low-lying areas may collect water when it rains heavily.

Homer Plessy was arrested at the corner of Press Street and Royal Street in 1892, an event that led to the famous court case Plessy v. Ferguson and changed American legal history. A marker at this spot honors this turning point and tells visitors about its significance.