Gentilly is where New Orleans began to expand in the 1920s. By the 1950s and 60s, it had become a shopping hub. It was no Canal Street, but Gentilly had its share of shopping centers and commercial strips.
That's not why I'm sending you out there.
As I review this blog's archives, I seem to spend a lot of time in Pontilly, where Gentilly meets Pontchartrain Park. This time, I'm sending you to see the new Guardians of Gentilly mural, painted on the Pontilly train bridge.
Nice work.
The mural is called The Guardians of Gentilly. The guardians appear to be blue Indian spirits. Each holds a form of road transportation, mostly trucks, although there is also a hay cart and a station wagon.
This bridge stands along what used to be the main road to the outside world.
New Orleans really is an island in the middle of a swamp. You don't realize it because so much of the swamp has been drained. Show up when it rains.
The road is U.S. Route 90 now. If you drive into New Orleans, it's more scenic than the interstate. You'll also get to see the freshly painted Pontilly Train Bridge and the Guardians of Gentilly mural.
The Choctaw and Colapissa were among the Native American peoples associated with the New Orleans area. The Guardians of Gentilly look like neither. Nor do they look like Mardi Gras Indians.
They are Gentilly Indians.
New Orleans is a city that constantly reinvents its own mythology.
Besides the Pontilly Train Bridge, you'll pass Dillard University, an HBCU and one of two historically Black colleges and universities in New Orleans, as well as the Baptist Theological Seminary.
You never know what you'll find when you turn a corner in this wonderful city we call home.
With the way the light passes through the railroad ties, the view under the bridge is quite vibrant. It looks like there is more work to be done.
Everything is always evolving. Pay enough attention and you'll find angels in the details. It's too far to walk to see the Guardians of Gentilly Mural, but it you want, I know other ways to get out there.
Make La Belle Esplanade your New Orleans headquarters and visit like you live here.