Two Statues in New Orleans

Mother River

If you find yourself under the twin spans of the Crescent City Connector, the bridge that connects the East Bank of New Orleans to the West Bank, you'll see a statue that most people don't ever see.

It is called "Mother River," representing the power, beauty and history of the Mississippi River.  Her outstretched hands symbolize the source of this great waterway.  Her robes and drapes represent the river's constant flow through the heartland of the United States before it converges here to form the great port of New Orleans.  She is raising her arms to salute the mariners and shore workers who make our ports and waterways safe and productive.  

That's not me writing.  It's what the plaque says.

New Orleans Port Authority Building

The statue stands in front of the New Orleans Port Authority Building.  You have to go really out of your way to find it, and you really have to go out of your way to get back.  Hence, it is a little seen sight.  It is not a tourist attraction.

So, while you don't really have a reason to be down here...

New Orleans Crescent City Connector

consider yourself reminded of the debt of gratitude we all owe to the mariners and shore workers who keep our ports and waterways safe and productive.

Robert E. Lee Boulevard, New Orleans

There is another statue that also isn't a tourist attraction, though it is seen by more people.  It is Mary, Queen of Vietnam, on Robert E. Lee Boulevard.  

Tourists don't visit Mary, Queen of Vietnam Roman Catholic Church very often.  Parishioners do.  Pilgrims do, too.  The church is also the site of the Vietnamese Martyrs Shrine.

Vietnamese Martyrs Shrine,  New Orleans

Speaking for myself, I am rarely on Robert E. Lee Boulevard.  When I am, though, I usually make a quick U-turn after I've realized that I just passed the church.  

I am not a pilgrim.  I'm usually on my way to the Soul Train store on Chef Highway.  I still like this statue:

Mary, Queen of Vietnam

So, if you find yourself on Robert E. Lee Boulevard, maybe going to the University of New Orleans, or to Southern University at New Orleans, you have another reason to stop.

In context

If you find yourself in New Orleans, you have a place to stay.

La Belle Esplanade bed and breakfast

You can stay on Esplanade Avenue.

A votre sante.