Duelling Oak — Attraction in New Orleans

Originally, there were two "dueling oaks," but one was lost in a hurricane in 1949. In the 1800s, men would defend their pride and honor by dueling each other under the oaks at what is now City Park but then was a normally quiet spot secluded from the rest of the city.

Some of the city's most notable figures who participated in duels in City Park include U.S. Congressman Emile LaSere and Bernard de Marigny, a nobleman and president of the Louisiana Senate in 1822-23. Many of the disputes between parties were either reconciled before the duel or after one party sustained a minor injury. Dueling deaths were reported, however. In 1805, Micajah Green Lewis, Gov. William C.C. Claiborne's private secretary and brother-in-law, was killed by Robert Sterry, a Claiborne opponent. By 1890, dueling...

Ah, the Duelling Oak.

I cannot think of an alternative suitable location to defend one’s honour. Take yourself back to the world of the common duel. Not typically intended to kill but to demonstrate one’s willingness to risk their life.

A symbolic place to reflect on others who have fallen foul to the harsh world of the duel; Aleksandr Pushkin, Armistead Thomson Mason and, rather famously, Alexander Hamilton to name a few.

I would highly recommend this location for duels and picnics. The oak tree provides brilliant shade for the best possible accuracy and to keep your frail sweet treats safe from perishing in the New Orleans heat.

This is my third favourite oak tree...

The dueling oaks (now oak) in New Orleans City Park is an area of mystery hard to understand in today’s context. At the time of dueling a person’s honor was precious and closely tied to trust and their ability to prosper. Once outlawed in the city, duelist would often come to this spot for their affairs of honor. Many people have loss their lives in this spot over their honor. The remaining oak is about 300 years old and a...