The Old Ursuline Convent, originally designed in 1745 and completed in 1750, is located on the site of the earlier convent. It is believed to be the oldest building in the French Quarter and is definitely the only one built during French domination. It is also believed to be the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley.
In 1734, the Ursuline nuns arrived to look after the "casket" girls (so named because they arrived in the new world with a chest of clothing and linens) and their offspring. The Ursulines had an herb garden - used for the nearby military hospital (which was in the original Ursuline Complex). The exterior of the building is impressive French Renaissance but the interior is extremely simple. Next to the convent is St. Mary's Italian Church which dates from 1846. It is believed that the city was spared during the Battle of New Orleans due to the prayers of the Ursuline Nuns. Every year on the anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans the nuns still offer a Mass of Thanksgiving. The Ursulines occupied this location until 1824 when they moved their convent. The current complex, though not as large as the original, is now named The Archbishop Antoine Blanc Memorial. In 1824 the complex was turned over to Archbishop Blanc. During the years 1831-1834 the Louisiana State Legislature convened in one of the rooms.
Today, with the herb gardens restored, the complex consists of the Records Office of the Archdiocese of New Orleans for their Sacramental Records, the church, the old convent and the residence for the complex administrator. There is a lovely mosaic window in the church depicting the Battle of New Orleans and the part played by the nuns.
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