This small park is located at center of the St Charles St roundabout; a small island by itself. Many large Mardi Gras parades roll right past here, making it a popular spot during those events. Before it was called Lee Circle, the park was known as Tivoli Circle or Place du Tivoli. There has been an effort to rename the circle from Lee Circle to Egalite Circle, which is French for equality. It is named after the Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The large statue of General Lee perched on top of the tall granite pillar until 2017. Now there is only a 60' pillar that held the statue and its base. Four sets of stairs lead up to the pillar from each side. read more

Lee Circle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

quick and easy stop while exploring the city. Open, central, and interesting to see as you pass through.

The Lee Circle consists of (or it used to consist of) the Robert E. Lee monument at the top of a 60 foot column. It's located near the National World War II Museum at a traffic stop and it seems like Mardi Gras comes through this area. The monument was listed on National Register of Historic Places in 1991 but in 2017 the statue was removed after a lengthy legal process and then subsequently renamed to Harmony Circle. Nowadays, there's not much to see besides a giant pillar that's surrounded by staircases on all four sides. You'll occasionally see some homeless people hanging out or sleeping on the steps but that's about it. It's a good marker for being close to the National WWII Museum and the convention center. Besides that, you can at least come here to soak in the historical significance of what was once here and why it's no longer here. read more

Lee Circle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

This is a small park located at center of the St Charles Street Street roundabout (intersection of St. Charles and Howard Avenues). It is on a small island by itself. No matter which way you come, you will have to cross the street. Many of the large Mardi Gras parades roll right past here, making it a popular spot during those events. Before it was called Lee Circle, the park was known as Tivoli Circle or Place du Tivoli. It is named after the Confederate General Robert E. Lee. There was a large statue of General Lee perched on top of the tall granite pillar. However, the statue did not survive the national wave of confederate statue removal. It was on May 19, 2017, leaving only the 60' pillar that held the statue and its base. If you visit there that is all you will see. There is 4 sets of stairs leading up to the pillar from each side. The area is clean and there is not much there, so it does not see many visitors, except some homeless and maybe ab occasional history geek like me. There has been an effort to rename the circle from Lee Circle to Egalite Circle, which is French for equality. I am sure it will be given a new name eventually. There is free and metered street parking near the Circle, if you choose to park and get out. Even though the statue is gone, this spot still has some historical significance and I am excited to see what the city has planned for the area. read more

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General Lee was removed from the top of the top of the Lee Monument in Lee Circle in New Orleans a few years ago. They haven't yet changed the name of the circle and the monument that the statue was on is still here and tall. So New Orleans still has some work to do. The circle, which was the Tivoli Circle until General Lee came along after 1877, is what we're reviewing today, is controlled by traffic lights. The St. Charles trolley line passes through here, so look out for that. A few residentially-challenged folks hanging out at the top of the stairs but they didn't seem to mind us passing through. [Review 14139 overall, 1461 of 2020, number 11 in Louisiana.] read more

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Saw this spot while walking out of the WW2 museum. The actual statute was taken down and Not replaced so it is just a Pillar on a hill. Too bad because the hil itself is quite majestic in the middle of traffic circle lol. Not somewhere I would make an effort to stop. read more

Lee Circle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

One of the highlights of our trip, among many, was passing by Lee Circle on the St. Charles Streetcar and seeing the 60-foot-high pedestal missing the 16-foot statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. The monument was dedicated in 1884 to a military leader who had no direct ties to Louisiana and had never actually visited the state. The statue was removed in early 2017 following a courageous decision by Mayor Mitch Landrieu. I felt good for the streetcar operator and all other blacks in the city that they no longer have to be reminded on a daily basis that a Confederate general fought to keep their ancestors enslaved. read more

Lee Circle - The pedestal at Lee Circle no longer holds the statue of Robert E. Lee. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

It's a fun round-about like they have in Europe. No statue anymore and honestly I'm good with that, but I understand how people will feel nostalgic about the loss of something that was always there. I'll be telling the story of how our city grew and made the decision to remove it. I hope they re-name it something cool, like Musicians Circle. Maybe they'll erect a new statue, but oh lawd the controversy. It's fine the way it is...... it's still iconic in its own way..... And when you drive around it you can go "weeeeeeee" if you want a bit of fun. read more

Lee Circle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a town with many monuments. Some are cool, others are lame, but they all tell a story. Lee Circle contains one of the more visible monuments. A large large tower of marble is topped by one of the more famous Confederate Generals from the Civil War. It is very impressive to view from the ground level looking up, or from the Pontchartrain Expressway headed towards the lake. The circle itself is difficult to navigate as others have previously mentioned. New Orleans residents are not known for their driving ability to begin with so a circular road with three entrances and exits is quite confusing to most. The concept of yielding the right of way is lost on those entering the circle and I have had a few close calls here. Currently the circle is home to at least three, but possibly four of the SPCA Bead Dog sculptures. I would have a more accurate count, but lost track when a streetcar nearly t-boned my car. read more

Lee Circle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

The Robert E. Lee Monument in New Orleans, Louisiana is a historic monument dedicated to Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The monument was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. The monument was included by New Orleans Magazine in June 2011 as one of the city's "11 important statues". There has been a lot of controversy over this statue in the years since it was erected. I think its interesting that he is facing north since he was a General for the South in the Civil War. Every year or so, I hear some new rumor that it is going to be removed, but they don't know what to do with it after its taken down, and the talk quiets down. It is mere blocks away from the WWII museum. Seeing as this is an outdoor statue in a circle, and is on the parade route during Mardi Gras, the city does set out port-a-johns for that. I have seen a drunk stumbling along, urinating on the grass. Other than that, there are no gender neutral restrooms in the area that I am aware of. A fellow YELPer pointed out to me that he could be facing north because he was a graduate of the West Point Academy in high standing when he graduated. Also, upon further research, I found that he went on the side of the south when his home state of Virginia seceded from the union, and that he did not necessarily believe in that cause, but believed the union should remain together. The second bit of information I got from his Wikipedia page, so I am assuming that it is correct. Thank you for holding me accountable Kerri! read more

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"Oh wow. They replaced that statue with one commemorating Homer Plessy" - I semi-seriously said to a fellow tourist on the St. Charles streetcar as it approached Lee Circle on a rainy day. "But the pedestal is empty...?" Homer Plessy of the infamous Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme court case establishing the doctrine of "separate but equal" was never photographed, and as such, history didn't remember what he looked like. Alleged drawings and photos of him throughout history are either of someone else, or someone anonymous and unknown to reputable historical sources. Considering that he was the mulatto son of Haitian Creole heritage he was gens-de-couleur, or free black men in pre-Civil War New Orleans and was treated as a de-facto member of white society (he was 1/8th black) before Reconstruction ended and Jim Crow rolled in. He was a member of a citizens committee in Treme trying to roll back some of the ridiculousness by suing Judge Ferguson of the Louisiana supreme court ...and didn't count on losing the case this badly. He died mostly forgotten and uncelebrated. I guess commemorating him would require a negative space, as the irony of freeing the slaves meant the loss of freedom for folks like him would have been seen as quite the irony. Whenever you delve into history you are often confronted with contradiction. The free black men of New Orleans raised the first colored regiment of North America defending Louisiana at the beginning of the civil war in 1861. When a 1862 Confederate directive calling for militias to be only staffed by white men forced it to disband, this was quickly rescinded when the Union Navy showed up and they became a Union army regiment under new management. As for Robert E. Lee, well, he was seen in the South as a gallant man who conducted an honorable war against a major modern industrial power and sent his less-than-well-equipped farm boys in grey to die against superior weapons, tactics, strategy and utter ruthlessness - the so-called lost cause (promoted by movies like Gods & Generals, a 3 hour snooze-fest with as much subtlety and historical balance as a modern Chinese movie about the valors of the Communist peasant Army against the Japanese invaders in WWII). Well, he wasn't nearly the genteel slaveholding Virginian planter that some might remember him (he was a white supremacist and fairly vocal about it). General Lee himself never visited the city while serving as a Confederate. If he did, he would probably court martial a bunch of officers for losing New Orleans (the biggest city in the Confederacy) so early in the war and to chide the populace for not supporting efforts to recapture Louisiana afterwards (they were out-maneuvered politically by General Benjamin "Spoons" Butler, never mind the locals hated Butler as he was known to pilfer silverware from the homes of well-to-do New Orleans citizens). It's really too bad he didn't. Because that would have been quite an awkward dedication ceremony and one for the history books. Georg Hegel once said that that historical entities occur once as a tragedy. Karl Marx said that he omitted the corollary, which is that it often returns as farce. It was tragic that the Confederates lost New Orleans due to incompetence and the people of NOLA had to endure a hostile and unfair occupation. It was later farcical that the same people later on commissioned statutes (from New Yorkers...?!) and raised them upon the honor of multiple military leaders that failed them. It's even more farcical that some were upset about removing those statutes from public view. Weren't those post-reconstruction participation trophies to assuage bruised souls, anyways? If they were triggered, just leave them around and teach others to laugh at their silliness? Let the local pigeons can render a few token pleasantries upon their names. Until around 1890, the traffic circle isn't known as Lee Circle, it's known as Tivoli circle, a former public space in Paris near the Haussmann St. Lazaire area. Either ways, that pillar can use a new tenant. Can we just put a massive bronze middle finger (aimed northwards at Washington DC, much like the original statute) instead? Subtlety isn't really a New Orleans specialty, but at least it'll get the point across. read more

Not just a picturesque site, but also a great meeting spot and a good geographic marker for where to go next. read more

Lee Circle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Lee Circle is a pain to drive around because traffic circles confuse people. Lee Circle has a statue that you can't really see because it's so high in the air. But Marielle is correct...it is one of those landmarks and it is also a demarcation of the border between the LGD (Lower Garden District) and the CBD (Central Business District). So a couple of reasons why I am a fan of Lee Circle, both are from the carnival season: I was at the Circle, walking back to my car after the parades were long over, one Carnival light many years ago and I saw the most amazing sight ever...a car going around the circle in the correct direction, but in reverse at 40 miles per hour; I thought I was hallucinating. That driver should've gotten work in Hollywood as a stunt driver. Used to be that really drunk dudes with death wishes used to try to climb up to hang out with the General. When I was in junior high, I saw a guy fall while trying. Luckily, he was so drunk that he walked away with no broken bones. Plus he only made it half way up the column. The area is now fenced off to prevent folks from doing that anymore. read more

I'm from the South and this is my General Robert E. Lee on his prime pedestal in the center of our Lee Circle looking defiantly Northward at you invading Yankees with your dirty hipster and sloppy tourist ways! Verily I say unto thee bathe thouselves well and learn to behave in decent civilized ways to dress appropriately for dinner. Truly do not arrive wearing shorts or jeans to present in our fancy eating establishments. Do not whine, balk, or complain about not being allowed entry due to your lack of appropriate regalia when such dress codes are clearly posted on websites and the exterior of establishments. Appropriately honor our monuments to the War of Northern Aggression with due historical respect and leave your snide comments about Southern culture and peoples back in your frost laden Northern lands. Repent of your Californian attitudes of despising our heavy use of butter, cream, and deep frying in making things deliciously decadent. Imbibe in the holy consumption of alcohol to achieve the nirvanic state of inebriation so that you might fully embrace all that our Southern hospitality has to offer and join us in the revelry that we freely share. Releasing your preconceptions and fully embracing living in the space and time that you're in New Orleans will unleash a multitude of delectable possibilities. Now salute General Lee and march on to eat something scrumptious!!! read more

I love Lee Circle for a number of reasons. Main thing being, it's a focal point for giving directions. If you're a true New Orlenian, you know how we don't give directions based on street names or North, South, East or West, mainly because those directions do not really apply in our city. We give directions based on landmarks and this is one that's certainly hard to mistake even for new-comers. I've spent many a Mardi Gras' here or right under the bridge catching throws, partied my face off more nights than I can remember at circle bar, even was here for the Saints Superbowl parade which was absolute and total madness (but in the good way). Though as many times as I've passed here in life, i've yet to climb the stairs to the top and enjoy the view. Mostly because there's usually lots of homeless at this statue and that pretty much kept me from doing so. I will say that the city does an excellent job at keeping the grass well manicured. The only eye sore about it are the numbers sleeping on it. read more

It's really hard to have a Lee circle, when the statue of Robert Lee isn't there anymore. There is just a white column standing there. It's pretty stupid if you ask me, to take away a part of history just because people can't get along. Taking down a statue doesn't change history. So I really cannot give a good rating to a circle that doesn't really exist anymore. read more

Nice quiet spot to stop and take in the surroundings. Located right next to the World War II History Museum, trolley pick up and drop offs, and a Corky bar. There are some homeless folks walking around however they pretty much keep to themselves. I suggest climbing the Giant Steps up to the top and taking some photos. read more

Lee Circle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Circled by StreetCars Renowned General Lee Ne'er Took Hat Off to The North #NOLA_Haiku read more

Lee Circle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I have lived in New Orleans for a majority of my life. The people here would do anything to help another person in need. If you have a flat tire or run out of gas, need directions, money, or food-- there is always someone there to help you... It doesn't matter what race, sex, or religion you are because human compassion transcends the natural barriers that have been placed on our society. We get along at a Saints game, persons come together at rest areas following a hurricane evacuation, we fish , drink , and eat food together. That is why it hurts me so terribly to see a group that wants to tear down the statue of Robert E Lee on the basis of racism and fascism. I never personally knew General Lee. He went to West Point, so he must have been a pretty serious and responsible person. West Point is a federal academy in New York and does not tolerate racism. It must have been different times, and if your profession is military you need to have the ability to recruit persons to fight with you & not against you. Sometimes I wonder "what Lee would have said" to his opponents living in a city he risked his own life to save.... I have a tendency to think he might have uttered a politically correct statement that would appeal to all: "Please don't tread on me, thanks!" read more

Lee Circle monument to Robert E. Lee, the Confederate General and is one of those classic New Orleans landmarks that locals probably pass all the time and don't even think about. I didn't even realize you could review it! I have been looking up at this monument since I was a kid and there's just something about it that makes me proud to live in this city. I don't know if there is much to say about it, other than that it's there and it's worth checking out, if you are visiting. read more

I'm sort of conflicted about giving Lee Circle 4 stars, since I'm a born, bred, and proud Damn Yankee who thinks such a giant statue of Robert E. Lee in the US is the sign of some serious Lost Cause-shenanigans. But I like Lee Circle for the following reasons: A) It's a freakin' roundabout, and every good old-school city in the world (Boston, Dublin, London) has at least one roundabout B) That exciting moment when you take the streetcar and you're like WHOA IS THIS ACTUALLY GOING TO MAKE THIS TURN and it does C) My boo has a long-time tradition of watching the Sunday Mardi Gras parades here with his friends. It's a really lovely event in which we catch up with people we haven't seen for ages, enjoy the crowds, and attempt to pace ourselves through drinking for several hours. If I had my druthers, I probably rename Lee Circle to be "Spike and/or Bruce Lee Circle" but until then I'll have to deal with the Reb not turning his back on the North. read more

As far as a circle goes, it's pretty spot on. It goes around and around, and then connects. So yeah, circular. I hope to continue more and review some squares or triangles. Maybe a polygon or even an octagon. Hell I am young, more shapes are bound to cross my path in this lifetime. -Paul read more

Lee Circle really isn't much for a park. It's a nice enough monument honoring General Lee, but there isn't much for space other than to take a picture and continue walking past it. Furthermore, there are almost always multiple homeless people who aren't afraid to badger you for money. It's a pretty monument, but has only one access crosswalk and no real reward other than climbing the steps and reading the placard. It's easy enough to take a picture from a moving streetcar rather than stop and waste 10 minutes. I love history, but Lee Circle has fallen victim to unfortunate location and little care. read more

After seeing the review by Marielle and losing to her to be the first to review I wish to add a few facts here. Lee Circle is a central part of Uptown New Orleans. Beside the statute of General Robert E. Lee there are a number of fine restaurants and bars within walking distance. And the World War II museum is just down the block. This is also a very good spot to watch the Mardi Gras parades and the area attracts nice and friendly crowds. Besides a new restaurant right on the avenue ( Tamarind ), a wine shop ( Keife & Co. ) will be opening in a few weeks at Carondelet St. and Howard Avenue on the downtown/lake corner. That will be a very nice addition to Lee Circle. For the history buffs here and I am not going to give a history lesson except for one small fact. The statute of Gen. Lee is facing to the north. You can speculate as to why. read more

This is a beautiful piece of 19th century art that survived Katrina. What a shame to lose a gorgeous piece of New Orleans history to appease a small group of people. I enjoy looking at this monument and the city will be greatly diminished without it. General Lee was greatly admired in the South and the North. read more

Crazy spot for this lil monument. Placed among the mad circle traffic, streetcar, gas station, and nola bum headquarters. I live right near it but avoid it late at night. read more

Lee Circle and the Robert E Lee monument is one of the most iconic sites in New Orleans. General Lee majestically stands above New Orleans on a 60 foot white marble pillar defiantly facing north. It is a beautiful and priceless statue and a must-see when visiting N.O. Pack a po-boy and go sit on the base of the monument and watch the streetcars go by. It is a wonderful time. read more

A great historical statue. A real work of fine art. Great place to watch a mardi gras parade and home of the circle bar with reasonably priced drinks and live music. read more

Must see historical landmark. New Orleans wouldn't be New Orleans without Lee Circle.

Love this historical landmark! Beautiful piece of art and great place to catch a parade!

Circle K next door to pick up some cheap snacks and water. It gets hot out here on the walking trip

Beautiful park in downtown New Orleans

Love Lee Circle. Those old world monuments are both art and a link to our history. I'd love to see more monuments around the city. Maybe some of our musician icons? read more

I pass this statue all the time coming from the Garden District.If you are driving you don't really notice it but if you are riding with someone and can look up you can really notice what a beautiful piece of art it is.Historical beauty is what makes New Orleans the city it is.This is one of the jewels in the crown of the Queen City. read more

I love this spot, this historical monument, top of my list, love taking my kids there and showing them, we all meet up for Mardi head here, it is a great spot to meet up with friends and sit and relax, the statue itself is beautiful, a historical figure, a loved figure, so much history.. read more

Absolutely the most beautiful statue I've ever seen, and just a really special place to be and go. It's not just a tourist spot, the locals love this statue, and when I was there, everyone was just so open, positive and cheerful. Talked to people of all races and backgrounds and just felt a sense of community there that I've rarely felt anywhere else on earth. It's just a pleasure to be there and it's from this statue that I truly fell in love with the City of New Orleans. read more

Beautiful historical statue in the center of the circle. Very regal and represents the history and culture of this beautiful city. This has been a famous meeting spot during Mardi Gras and everyone knows where it is if you say meet by Lee circle. read more

Impressive view from 4 directions of iconic monument in the heart of New Orleans. Situated just around the corner from the Confederate Museum and a block away from the WWII Museum. read more

The heart and soul of Nola, great spot to see when you visit WWII museum or Confederate museum. The desire of some to remove it is proof their hearts a re not in New Orleans. read more

My favorite place in New Orleans. I have many fond memories visiting Lee Circle as a child. It is now one of my son's favorite things to see in New Orleans. I can't believe that it might be taken down. It's a part of our history and it needs to stay. read more