Bucktown is a community in the northeastern region of Metairie, LA. It is also on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Join us as we unravel the rich history of Bucktown, Metairie. Find out how it came to be and how it became a haven for seafood and fishing.
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As of July 2023, the average home sale price in Bucktown was $625,000. However, real estate data constantly changes. Contact Rhoda Wood if you need help buying or selling a home in the New Orleans area.
Exploring the History of Bucktown Metairie
The Birth of Bucktown
Bucktown started in the mid-19th Century as a small settlement of fishing and hunting camps. During this time, the settlement consisted of wooden huts built on stilts that filled the canal and Lake Pontchartrain. The wooden stilt homes are what made Bucktown unique. It served as a reminder of the people’s resilience when the community suffered from harsh storms and floods.
Many people who lived on the canal and lake made a living from fishing, hunting, crabbing, and trapping. They used the canal as a harbor for their fishing boats.
Late Development
Bucktown thrived and survived multiple severe storms, one in 1915 and another in 1947. Amidst all the town’s hardships, Bucktown managed to rebuild every time their community got destroyed.
By the early 2000s, the community expanded, enabling more structures to line the canal. Now, there’s a school, a jail, stores, pubs, betting parlors, and dance clubs. Bucktown became famous for its restaurants serving the finest seafood in the city.
Origin of the Name “Bucktown”
The story behind the name isn’t clear. You’ll hear different versions of how the neighborhood got its name. The following are some of the more common claims.
During prohibition, Bucktown became a hub for speakeasies, brothels, and gaming dens. And because of the town’s rowdy environment, it became notorious for barroom brawls. It received the name because of all the young “bucks” going there and looking for fights.
Others point to the history of hunting in the area. They say the name comes from it being a good spot for hunting deer.
Meanwhile, another story suggests that the name came from the humorous alias “Buck Oliver” given to William Wooley. He earned the nickname as a night watchman in the East End. Over time, people came to associate the nickname with the area, and it became known as “Bucktown.”
Jazz
Bucktown was also involved in the early development of Jazz. With songs like Jelly Roll Morton’s “Bucktown Blues” and Johnny Wiggs’ “Bucktown Bounce”. The music is part of the area’s rich cultural history.
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