Lower 9th Ward

After visiting Musicians' Village on April 29 I went to see the Lower 9th Ward. This was the area that was hardest-hit by Katrina, and was also one of the poorest areas in New Orleans. I saw what I expected - little progress has been made here since I visited in 2006. Very few people are living there and most of the homes are in terrible shape. The difference between Lakeview and the Lower 9th Ward is money. Most of the residents of the Lower 9th Ward don't have the funds or credit to rehabilitate their properties. Remember that many of the people in this area couldn't even afford cars, which is why they didn't evacuate the city when Katrina was approaching.

I didn't stay in the Lower 9th Ward for very long. I had heard the area wasn't safe, so I decided not to take chances.












This is the house and business of Fats Domino. You may remember that he was missing for a few days after Katrina hit. He grew up in the Lower 9th Ward and still lives and works there. It looks like he has restored the place pretty well.





Notice that the house next door to Fats Domino's place has a partially collapsed roof over its carport.