The Story Behind the Stone

This pictorial guide covers more than forty New Orleans monuments. From the statue of Joan of Arc that stands in the French Quarter to the bronze bust of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the corner of Claiborne Avenue and Felicity Street, entries flow in chronological order, based on each figure's birthday. The overviews include a biographical sketch of the historical figure, a description of the monument, and a reminder of its significance. The book includes such well known dignitaries as Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville and John James Audubon, along with more obscure individuals like Albert Weiblen, the German sculptor whose granite and marble company provided materials for many statues in the city. Though a few of the monuments exist in the private collections of museums, others can be found by simply taking a leisurely stroll through the French Quarter. Each work of art underscores New Orleans's rich heritage and serves as a reminder that its citizens can transcend any challenge.