James H. Dillard House

The James H. Dillard House is a single-story wood-frame residence on Audubon Street featuring a neoclassical front porch with four columns supporting a hip roof. The building extends sideways from its central section, creating a wider footprint that was common in New Orleans homes from this period.

James H. Dillard lived in this house from 1894 to 1913 during a period when race relations in the American South were becoming more restrictive. The residence dates from the late 1800s and reflects the architectural style of its era despite later preservation efforts.

The house reflects the educational mission of James H. Dillard, who championed the growth of colleges serving African American students during a restrictive era. Visitors can see where an advocate for equal learning opportunities conducted his work.

The property sits in the Black Pearl neighborhood, accessible via public transportation from downtown New Orleans. Advance planning is important since the building may not be open to the public on a regular basis, so contact information should be verified before visiting.

The building features a cross-shaped floor plan with wings extending from the central core, a layout design that helped with air flow in New Orleans' humid climate. This arrangement was practical and common among residential properties built in the late 1800s throughout the city.