The Old U.S. Mint
William Strickland designed the U.S. mint on Espalande Avenue in New Orleans, Louisiana in the year 1836. The Greek revival style that Strickland used to design the mint was similar to that of plantation mansions that are seen up the river. During his presidency, Andrew Jackson ordered the construction of this mint to establish a large federal agency at the edge of America’s frontier. However, it is more likely that Jackson was repaying some political debts. From 1838 to 1861, U.S. currency were struck here. State officials took over the property when Louisiana seceded from the Union in 1861 and coined Confederate money. Troops of the Confederates were also housed there until the Union Army took over New Orleans in 1862.
Parts of the building were continued to be used as military offices and barracks. Following the Civil War, federal minting took place until 1909. Currently, the building now is home to a part of the collection of the Louisiana State Museum. It also houses one or two ghosts. From the corner of French Market Place and Barracks Street, one can have a clear view of the second floor gallery. A tall man in blue overalls is often seen on the balcony smoking a cigarette, and then walks the length of the gallery vanishing into the wall. This ghost has even been seen during the day, but the best time to catch him is as the shadows come across the gallery.
(Source: Dwyer, Jeff. Ghost Hunters Guide to New Orleans. 2007.)
