1835 Greek Revival mint by architect William Strickland — the only building to have served as both a U.S. and Confederate mint; site of William Mumford's 1862 hanging and 2008 Ghost Hunters investigation, now the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
400 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70116
Age
All Ages
Cost
$
Louisiana State Museum admission; check site for current rates.
Access
Wheelchair OK
Restored historic building with elevator access to upper floors.
Equipment
Photos OK
Est. 1835 · National Historic Landmark · Only building to serve as both U.S. and Confederate mint · Site of William Mumford's 1862 execution under General Butler · Now houses the New Orleans Jazz Museum (world's largest jazz collection) · Designed by William Strickland (architect of the Second Bank of the U.S.)
The New Orleans Mint at 400 Esplanade Avenue was designed by William Strickland—best known for the Second Bank of the United States in Philadelphia—and completed in 1835. The Greek Revival structure began coining money in 1838 and continued operations until Louisiana seceded from the Union in January 1861.
During the brief Confederate occupation of the building in 1861, the mint coined a small number of Confederate-issue half dollars before Union forces under David Farragut captured New Orleans in spring 1862. On June 7, 1862, William Mumford, a local gambler who had torn down the U.S. flag that had been raised over the mint, was hanged from a flagstaff projecting horizontally from the building under orders from Union General Benjamin Butler. The execution became a flashpoint in Confederate propaganda and contributed to Butler's notorious 'Beast Butler' reputation.
After the Civil War the building reopened as an assay office in 1876, resumed full minting operations in 1879, and continued coining money until 1909. It was formally decommissioned in 1911. The building subsequently served various federal purposes, including a U.S. Coast Guard station and federal prison facility.
Since 1981 the Old U.S. Mint has been operated by the Louisiana State Museum. Following extensive renovations, it reopened in 2008 and was transformed into the New Orleans Jazz Museum, which now houses the world's largest collection of jazz-related artifacts. It is the only structure to have served as a mint for both the United States and the Confederate States of America, and is a National Historic Landmark.
Sources
The Old U.S. Mint's paranormal reputation is anchored by Jimmie Jackson, a long-time museum security guard, who has described regular contact during his tenure at the museum with what he identifies as two male and two female spirits in the building's storage and exhibition areas. Jackson led the 'Ghost Hunters' team (SYFY) through the mint when the show filmed an episode here in 2008. The investigators ultimately rated their findings 'inconclusive,' though the episode brought significant national attention to the building's haunted reputation. The museum has subsequently hosted seasonal 'Ghost Stories with Jimmie Jackson' programming around Halloween.
A second strand of folklore connects activity in the building to William Mumford, the New Orleans civilian hanged from a flagstaff projecting from the mint on June 7, 1862 after tearing down the U.S. flag during Union occupation. Stronghold Nation, US Money Reserve, and Collectors Universe forum discussions all reference Mumford as a candidate for the resident male spirit, though direct evidentiary links between Mumford and reported phenomena are not established.
Reports include unexplained sounds in storage and gallery spaces, sensed presences, and intermittent equipment anomalies. The museum's official posture is open and curious rather than promotional.
Notable Entities
Media Appearances
Explore the 1835 Greek Revival mint building — now the New Orleans Jazz Museum — with exhibits on jazz history, the building's role as a U.S. and Confederate mint, and seasonal ghost-themed programming.
Every HauntBound history is researched from documented sources. We clearly separate verified historical fact from paranormal folklore.
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