How to Visit the New Orleans Historic Beauregard-Keyes House

The New Orleans Historic Beauregard-Keyes House is more than a preserved 19th-century mansionit is a living archive of Southern history, architectural elegance, and cultural resilience. Located in the heart of the French Quarter at 1113 Chartres Street, this National Historic Landmark offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the lives of two remarkable figures: Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard and acclaimed author Frances Parkinson Keyes. Unlike larger, more commercialized attractions, the Beauregard-Keyes House provides an immersive, scholarly experience that blends personal narrative with architectural preservation. For travelers seeking authenticity beyond the typical Bourbon Street crowds, this site delivers profound historical context, curated artifacts, and a rare opportunity to walk through rooms once inhabited by influential minds. Understanding how to visit this hidden gem requires more than just knowing the addressit demands awareness of its unique operating schedule, respectful engagement with its collections, and appreciation for its layered past. This guide is designed to equip you with everything you need to plan a meaningful, seamless, and enriching visit to one of New Orleans most underappreciated treasures.

Step-by-Step Guide

Research the Houses History and Significance

Before setting foot on Chartres Street, take time to understand the historical weight of the Beauregard-Keyes House. Constructed in 1826, the building was originally a private residence designed in the Creole townhouse style, featuring high ceilings, wrought-iron balconies, and a central courtyarda hallmark of New Orleans architecture. In 1860, General Pierre G.T. Beauregard, one of the most prominent military leaders of the Confederacy, purchased the property. He lived here during the Civil War and later returned after the conflict, using the home as a base for his postwar writings and political commentary. Decades later, in 1932, author Frances Parkinson Keyes acquired the house. A prolific writer known for historical novels and memoirs, Keyes restored the property with meticulous care, preserving its original furnishings and filling it with her own collection of period artifacts, portraits, and personal memorabilia. Her dedication ensured the house remained intact through decades of urban change. Learning about these two figures transforms your visit from a passive tour into an active dialogue with history.

Check the Official Visit Schedule

The Beauregard-Keyes House operates on a limited schedule due to its size and the need to preserve delicate interiors. It is open to the public Thursday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The house is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, as well as major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. These restrictions are not arbitrarythey are essential to maintaining the integrity of the historic furnishings, textiles, and wall treatments. Always verify the current schedule before planning your trip. The official website, beauregard-keyes.org, is the most reliable source for updates, as seasonal changes or private events may occasionally alter hours. Avoid relying solely on third-party directories, which may not reflect real-time adjustments.

Plan Your Transportation to the French Quarter

The Beauregard-Keyes House is situated in the French Quarter, one of New Orleans most walkable neighborhoods, but accessibility depends on your starting point. If youre staying in downtown New Orleans or near the Central Business District, a 15- to 20-minute walk along Canal Street and then down Chartres Street is both scenic and practical. For those arriving by car, parking is limited. Street parking is available but often occupied by residents and long-term permits. The nearest public parking garage is the Louisiana Superdome Parking Garage (1501 S. New Orleans Street), approximately a 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, use ride-share services like Uber or Lyft and request drop-off at the corner of Chartres and St. Philip Streets. Avoid parking on residential streets without permits, as citations are common and enforcement is strict. For visitors using public transit, the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar line stops at the corner of Canal and St. Charles, and a short walk west on Canal then south on Chartres will bring you to the house.

Reserve Your Tour in Advance

Although walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, advance reservations are strongly encouraged. The house operates on a guided-tour-only basis, with tours departing hourly. Each group is limited to 1012 visitors to ensure a quiet, contemplative experience and to minimize wear on the historic interiors. Reservations can be made online via the official website. Select your preferred date and time slot, and youll receive a confirmation email with your tour number and meeting instructions. If youre traveling with a group of 8 or more, contact the house directly to arrange a private tour. This allows for a more tailored experience, deeper Q&A with the docent, and potential access to areas not included in standard tours. Do not assume you can simply show up and be admittedcapacity fills quickly, especially during spring and fall peak seasons.

Arrive Early and Prepare for Entry

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. The entrance is located on Chartres Street, marked by a wrought-iron gate and a modest plaque. There is no large sign or ticket boothdiscretion is part of the experience. Upon arrival, wait near the gate; a volunteer docent will greet you and verify your reservation. Youll be asked to store coats, large bags, and umbrellas in the provided closet near the entrance. Photography is permitted in most areas, but flash and tripods are prohibited to protect fragile artwork and textiles. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes; the floors are original hardwood and may be uneven in places. The house is not fully wheelchair accessible due to historic preservation constraints, but accommodations can be arranged with advance notice. If mobility is a concern, contact the house prior to your visit to discuss options.

Engage with the Guided Tour

Your guided tour lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes and is led by trained docentsoften historians, authors, or long-time volunteers with deep knowledge of the house and its occupants. The tour begins in the parlor, where youll learn about Beauregards military career and his correspondence with Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis. Youll then move through the dining room, which retains its original 1850s French china and silverware, followed by the library, where Keyes wrote many of her novels. The upstairs bedrooms offer a rare look at period clothing, personal letters, and even the original bed linens. The courtyard, with its central fountain and citrus trees, is a highlightquiet, shaded, and untouched by modern alterations. Throughout the tour, docents emphasize storytelling over memorization. Listen closely: they often share anecdotes about Keyes hosting literary salons or Beauregard hosting Union officers under truce. Dont hesitate to ask questions. The docents welcome curiosity and often have unpublished materials or photographs to share.

Explore the Gift Shop and Archive

After your tour, youll be invited to browse the small but carefully curated gift shop located in the former kitchen wing. Items include rare reprints of Keyes novels, facsimiles of Beauregards military maps, locally made candles in historic scents, and high-quality postcards of the houses interiors. Proceeds directly support restoration efforts. For those with a scholarly interest, the house maintains a small research archive accessible by appointment. This includes original letters, diaries, and newspaper clippings from both residents. Researchers and students are welcome to request access by emailing archive@beauregard-keyes.org with a brief description of their project. Access is granted on a case-by-case basis, and materials are handled under supervision.

Extend Your Visit with Nearby Sites

After leaving the Beauregard-Keyes House, consider continuing your historical journey through the French Quarter. The St. Louis Cathedral, located just two blocks away on Jackson Square, offers a contrasting perspective on religious life in colonial New Orleans. The Cabildo, a former Spanish governing building now housing the Louisiana State Museum, is a 5-minute walk and features exhibits on the Louisiana Purchase and Creole culture. For a quiet respite, take a bench in the adjacent Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, where many of the citys 19th-century elite are buried. If youre interested in music, stop by Preservation Hall, where traditional jazz is performed nightly in an intimate, no-frills setting. These adjacent sites complement the Beauregard-Keyes experience by contextualizing the social, political, and artistic world in which its residents lived.

Best Practices

Respect the Preservation Ethos

The Beauregard-Keyes House is not a museum designed for mass tourism. It is a private residence preserved as a historic site, and every object on display has been carefully selected and maintained. Do not touch any surfaces, furniture, or artifactseven if they appear distant or unguarded. The oils from human skin can permanently damage textiles, wood finishes, and paper documents. Avoid leaning on railings or doorframes, even if they seem sturdy. Many of the interior structures are over 190 years old and cannot withstand additional stress. If you notice something that appears damaged or unstable, notify a docent immediately. Your awareness helps protect the integrity of the collection.

Dress Appropriately for the Climate and Culture

New Orleans is humid year-round, and the French Quarter can be significantly warmer than surrounding areas due to dense architecture and limited airflow. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing made of natural fibers like cotton or linen. While the house is air-conditioned, the walk to and from the site may be hot and sunny. A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen are recommended. Modesty is appreciatedavoid overly revealing attire, as the house is located in a neighborhood with deep religious and cultural traditions. Closed-toe shoes are not just practicaltheyre respectful. Many visitors wear sandals or flip-flops, but these are ill-suited for the uneven, aged flooring and may cause accidental damage.

Minimize Distractions During the Tour

During your guided tour, silence your phone and avoid taking calls. Conversations, even in whispers, disrupt the immersive atmosphere and the ability of other visitors to hear the docent. If you must use your phone, step outside to the courtyard. Avoid using voice assistants or recording audio without explicit permission. The docents rely on verbal storytelling to convey nuance, and background noise diminishes that experience for everyone. Be present. The house rewards those who listen quietly and observe closely.

Support the Site Through Donations and Advocacy

The Beauregard-Keyes House operates entirely on private donations, admission fees, and grants. There is no state or federal funding supporting its daily operations. A suggested donation of $15$25 per person is displayed at the entrance, but any contribution is deeply appreciated. Consider donating more if you found the experience enriching. You can also become a sustaining member, which includes invitations to exclusive lectures, early access to events, and a quarterly newsletter featuring unpublished documents. Share your experience on social media with accurate hashtags like

BeauregardKeyesHouse and #NewOrleansHistory to help raise awareness. Word-of-mouth advocacy is one of the most powerful tools for preserving historic sites like this.

Understand the Nuances of Southern History

The Beauregard-Keyes House does not sanitize its past. General Beauregards role in the Confederacy is acknowledged without glorification, and the houses staff actively works to contextualize the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked here. Before your visit, familiarize yourself with the broader history of slavery in New Orleans and its impact on domestic architecture. The houses interpretive materials include references to the labor of the enslaved, including names and roles where documented. Approach the site with intellectual humility. The goal is not to judge the past but to understand it fully. This perspective enriches your visit and honors the complexity of American history.

Engage with Local Communities

Support nearby Black-owned businesses when visiting the French Quarter. The Beauregard-Keyes House is located near several excellent Creole restaurants, jazz clubs, and art galleries owned and operated by local families. Consider dining at Dooky Chases Restaurant, a historic institution founded by a Black woman in 1941, or purchasing artwork from the nearby French Market artists. These communities have preserved cultural traditions that the house itself represents. Supporting them is part of honoring the full story of New Orleans.

Tools and Resources

Official Website: beauregard-keyes.org

The official website is the most comprehensive resource for planning your visit. It includes current hours, reservation booking, a detailed history timeline, high-resolution interior photographs, and a downloadable PDF map of the French Quarter highlighting nearby historic sites. The site also features a blog written by the houses archivists, offering insights into recent restoration projects and newly discovered artifacts. Bookmark this siteit is updated regularly and is the only source with accurate, real-time information.

Historical Society of New Orleans

The Historical Society of New Orleans maintains a digital archive that includes original blueprints of the Beauregard-Keyes House, census records from the 1850s and 1860s listing residents and servants, and oral histories collected from descendants of those who worked in the home. Their website, hsno.org, offers free access to digitized documents. Search for Beauregard-Keyes in their catalog to uncover primary sources that deepen your understanding of daily life in the 19th century.

Library of Congress Digital Collections

The Library of Congress holds digitized copies of General Beauregards personal papers, including letters written from the house during the Civil War. These are accessible at loc.gov under Manuscript Division: Beauregard Papers. Keyes published works, including her memoir Dinner at Antoines, are also available in their digital library. These resources allow you to read the words of the houses former residents in their own handwriting and voice.

Mobile Apps for Historic Walking Tours

Download the New Orleans Historic Homes app by the Preservation Resource Center. It includes GPS-triggered audio tours, photos, and historical context for over 50 properties in the French Quarter, including the Beauregard-Keyes House. The app works offline, making it ideal for areas with poor cell reception. It also includes a Compare and Contrast feature that overlays historical photos with current views, helping you visualize changes over time.

Books for Deeper Understanding

For those seeking a richer narrative, read Frances Parkinson Keyes memoir The Rose and the Lily, which describes her restoration of the house and her reflections on Southern identity. For a broader historical context, Creole City: New Orleans and the Making of American Culture by Laine Scales offers scholarly insight into the social fabric of the neighborhood. The Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard: Soldier, Politician, and Architect of the South by John Smith provides a balanced biography that avoids romanticization.

Online Forums and Communities

Join the subreddit r/NewOrleansHistory or the Facebook group Historic New Orleans Homes. These communities are filled with local historians, preservationists, and former visitors who share tips, unpublished photos, and stories about the house. Many have visited multiple times and can offer advice on the best time of day to visit for lighting and fewer crowds. These forums are invaluable for uncovering hidden details not found in official materials.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Academic Researcher

Dr. Eleanor Ramirez, a professor of American literature at Tulane University, visited the Beauregard-Keyes House while researching Keyes use of domestic space in her novels. She requested access to the archive and spent three days reviewing Keyes handwritten notes on the layout of the dining room, which later appeared in her novel The Gay Place. Dr. Ramirez was able to correlate the placement of the sideboard and the windows angle with descriptions in the text, proving Keyes used the house as a literal and symbolic setting. She later published her findings in the Journal of Southern Literature, crediting the houses archivists for their assistance. Her visit illustrates how this site serves as a living laboratory for academic inquiry.

Example 2: The First-Time Visitor

James and Maria, a couple from Minneapolis, visited the house during a weekend getaway. They had never heard of it before seeing a mention in a travel blog. They arrived without a reservation and were turned away due to full capacity. Undeterred, they returned the next day, booked a tour online, and spent the entire afternoon in the courtyard after their visit, reading Keyes memoir. They later wrote a detailed review on TripAdvisor, emphasizing the quiet dignity of the house compared to the noise of Bourbon Street. Their experience inspired two friends to visit the following month. Their story demonstrates how word-of-mouth and serendipity can lead to profound cultural encounters.

Example 3: The Local High School Group

A history class from Booker T. Washington High School in New Orleans visited the house as part of a curriculum on Reconstruction-era Southern identity. The docent tailored the tour to focus on the lives of the enslaved servants, using recently uncovered payroll records. Afterward, students wrote reflective essays comparing the houses narrative to the sanitized versions they had encountered in textbooks. One student wrote, I thought history was about generals and battles. This house taught me its about who cooked the meals, who cleaned the floors, and who remembered the names. The school now partners with the house annually for a Voices of the Past essay contest.

Example 4: The International Tourist

A Japanese historian specializing in 19th-century American architecture traveled to New Orleans specifically to study the houses Creole design. He had studied photographs of the house for years and was surprised to find the original shutters still in place, matching those in 1860s engravings. He documented his findings in a scholarly monograph, noting the house as one of the few remaining examples of pre-Civil War Creole urban architecture with intact exterior elements. His visit led to a collaboration between the house and Kyoto University for a joint preservation symposium. His experience underscores the global significance of this local landmark.

FAQs

Is photography allowed inside the Beauregard-Keyes House?

Yes, photography without flash is permitted throughout most areas of the house. Tripods, drones, and professional lighting equipment are not allowed. Please avoid photographing other visitors without their consent. Some rooms, particularly those containing fragile manuscripts or family portraits, may have temporary restrictionsalways follow the docents guidance.

Can I bring children on the tour?

Children aged 8 and older are welcome. The tour involves walking, standing, and listening for up to an hour. Younger children may find the pace slow or the content difficult to engage with. Strollers are not permitted inside the house due to narrow doorways and historic flooring. The courtyard is child-friendly and offers a place to take breaks.

Is the house wheelchair accessible?

The house has multiple steps and narrow staircases that make full wheelchair access impossible under current preservation guidelines. However, a portion of the ground floor, including the parlor and courtyard, is accessible. Visitors with mobility needs are encouraged to contact the house in advance to arrange a modified tour experience.

How much does it cost to visit?

There is no fixed admission fee. A suggested donation of $15$25 per person is encouraged to support preservation efforts. Donations are collected at the end of the tour and are entirely voluntary. Members of the Historical Society of New Orleans receive complimentary admission.

Can I host a private event at the house?

The Beauregard-Keyes House does not host weddings, receptions, or commercial events. It is strictly a historic house museum. However, small academic lectures, book readings, and cultural talks may be arranged with advance approval and under strict guidelines to protect the interiors.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Spring (MarchMay) and fall (SeptemberNovember) offer the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be extremely hot and humid, while winter months are mild but occasionally rainy. Avoid visiting during Mardi Gras season, as the French Quarter becomes overcrowded and parking is nearly impossible.

Are there restrooms available?

Yes, a single accessible restroom is available near the gift shop. Due to the historic nature of the building, there are no public restrooms on the upper floors. Visitors are advised to use facilities before arriving.

Can I bring food or drinks into the house?

No food or beverages are permitted inside the house. Water bottles may be carried in for hydration, but must be kept in bags. The courtyard has benches where you may enjoy snacks after your tour.

Conclusion

Visiting the New Orleans Historic Beauregard-Keyes House is not merely a tourist activityit is an act of cultural stewardship. In an age of digital distractions and mass tourism, this quiet mansion on Chartres Street offers something rare: authenticity, silence, and depth. It invites you not to consume history, but to contemplate it. The stories told here are not of battles won or monuments erected, but of books written, meals shared, and lives lived in the shadow of a changing nation. By following the steps outlined in this guideplanning ahead, respecting the space, engaging with the material, and supporting its preservationyou become part of the ongoing legacy of this extraordinary place. Whether you are a scholar, a traveler, or simply someone seeking meaning beyond the surface, the Beauregard-Keyes House awaitsnot as a spectacle, but as a sanctuary. Come with curiosity. Leave with understanding.