Who built the Pontalba Apartments located on the Place d'Armes?

The Pontalba Apartments were constructed by Michaela Almonester, who is often referred to as Baroness Pontalba. She was a pivotal figure in the history of New Orleans, particularly known for her contributions to the urban landscape of the French Quarter. Built between 1845 and 1850, these apartments were commissioned by the Baroness to provide upscale housing in a burgeoning area. The Pontalba Apartments are notable for their distinctive architecture and elegant design, which reflect the style of the period. Their location on the Place d'Armes (now Jackson Square) makes them a significant landmark in the city.

The other individuals mentioned have notable associations with history and New Orleans, yet they were not involved in the construction of the Pontalba Apartments. Mark Twain was an influential American author known for his works that often depicted American life along the Mississippi River. David Farragut was a naval officer during the Civil War, recognized for his role in major naval battles but was not linked to New Orleans’ residential development. Homer Plessy is known for the landmark Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson, which dealt with segregation; however, he had no connection to the establishment of the Pontalba Apartments.