Bywater Name

Historically, the area of present day Bywater has had several names. The original development of the area followed the plantations along the river. As each plantation was developed, a new name was given to a few blocks such as Faubourg Montegut, Faubourg Clouet, Faubourg Montreuil, Faubourg Cariby, and Faubourg deLesseps. By 1836, the area came to be knows as Faubourg Washington.

In 1947 a business and professional men's association was formed to promote business interests in the area from Elysian Fields to the Industrial Canal and Florida Avenue to the River. Businesses such as Papania's Grocery, Janssen's Service Station, Leonhard's Department Store, St. Claude General Hospital, and many others were active.

When these businessmen and professionals banded together, they decided they needed a new name for the neighborhood. Most people called the area "downtown" (many still do), but it was felt that confusion might result from continued use of that name.

The group sponsored a contest at Nicholl's High School to give the area a new name. The winning entry, Bywater was justified by the area boundries - The Mississippi River, the Industiral Canal, and the Florida Canal.

The name has stuck and businesses such as Bywater Cleaners and the Bywater Station of the Post Office help to keep the name alive.

This account of the Bywater name as told by Mr. Leonhard to Marc Cooper.