From Red lights to Red Tomatoes
The riverfront that today hosts the French Market’s colorful retail and produce stands was once among the most dangerous two blocks in the country. Professional history buff Christine Miller shares this example of just how shady Gallatin Street could be.
Before the Civil War, port city realness met vice o’plenty down by the wharves. Sex workers like Mary Jane “Bricktop” Jackson – named for her fiery hair and matching temper – fended for themselves in lawless barrooms and brothels.
Known as the “Scourge of Gallatin Street,” Bricktop’s weaponry skills were legendary. Bloodshed at her hands, common.
While she was locked up for clubbing a man to death, Bricktop hooked up with her jailor John Miller, a former boxer with a prosthetic ball-and-chain where his arm once hung. This match made in the New Orleans underworld came to a bloody end when Bricktop killed Miller with his own knife during a brawl.
Remember her murderous tale – just one of many set in that bawdy district – as you browse New Orleans’ most popular flea market for souvenirs.
