What role did the Louisiana State Arsenal serve during Spanish dominance?

During Spanish dominance, the Louisiana State Arsenal served as a prison. This facility played a crucial role in the management of law and order during a tumultuous period in New Orleans’ history. The arsenal was designed to house prisoners, particularly those convicted of crimes against the Spanish Crown, and to maintain control over the territory by housing individuals considered a threat to governance.

The use of the arsenal as a prison reflected the Spanish colonial government's priorities in asserting authority and ensuring compliance with its laws. By detaining offenders in this location, the Spanish demonstrated an organized approach to maintain security in the city.

Other roles, such as a marketplace or a residence for prominent families, would not align with the historical function of the arsenal during this period. Similarly, while the arsenal might possess some fortification traits as a military installation, its primary identity during the Spanish rule was firmly as a penal facility. Understanding this context helps highlight how the arsenal contributed to the socio-political landscape of colonial New Orleans.