Ordinances and Resolutions, 1836-1852
Scope and Contents
The records are manuscript volumes which have been grouped into subseries based on the apparent use/purpose of each volume. Before May 5, 1840, ordinances and resolutions are arranged by date. At this time, laws were then assigned numbers and are arranged in numerical order. Except for the 1840-1843 volume of series 1, there is no extant indexing for these ordinances.
- Sub-Series 1: Original ordinances and resolutions, signed by the Recorder and the Mayor. The pre-May, 1840 volumes in this subseries contain ordinances and resolutions that for the most part are signed by the Recorder only, although some are also signed by the Mayor. These books, however, do contain letters addressed to the Mayor, suggesting that they are indeed made up of the original laws as submitted to the Mayor. That these laws are actually written on individual sheets that were later bound into volumes further supports this interpretation.
- Sub-Series 2: Copies of ordinances and resolutions retained by the Council while the original ordinances and resolutions were being considered by the Mayor.
- Sub-Series 3: Ordinances and resolutions passed at secret sessions (Additional ordinances and resolutions passed at special sessions are included in the general ordinance and resolution books.
- Sub-Series 4: Miscellaneous additional versions of ordinances and resolutions.
Dates
- Creation: 1836-1852
Creator
- From the Collection: New Orleans (La.). Second Municipality (Organization)
Requesting Materials
Conditions Governing Access
Available on microfilm to registered researchers by appointment. Request by call number. Originals are closed for research.
Biographical / Historical
The 1836 city charter provided that the powers and duties of the municipality councils, within their own municipalities, and of the Mayor, were to be the same as existed under the laws in force at that time. Essentially this meant that the provisions of the 1805 charter relative to those powers and duties remained in effect. Thus the Second Municipality Council had the power to make and pass all by-laws and ordinances for the better government of the affairs of, and for regulating the police and preserving the peace and good order of, the municipality. These laws, once passed by the Council, were to be transmitted to the Mayor for his consideration. If he approved of the act he was to sign it and return it to the Council, and it would have the effect of law. If he did not approve of it, the Mayor had five days to return it to the Council with his objections, otherwise the legislation would gain the effect of law. Disapproved ordinances and resolutions could still become law upon two- thirds vote of the members of the Council.
Extent
From the Series: 32 Volumes (32 volumes, available on microfilm)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Repository Details
Part of the City Archives Repository
City Archives & Special Collections
219 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans LA 70112
504-596-2610
archivist@nolalibrary.org