Ordinances and Resolutions, 1852-1862
Scope and Contents
This collection of city ordinances is sometimes referred to as the Common Council "Old Series (OS)," and ends with the City's federal occupation during the Civil War in 1866.
Records are divided into three series and are signed by the President of both Boards and, if he approved, by the Mayor.
- Sub-Series 1: Board of Alderman
- Sub-Series 2: Board of Assistant Alderman
- Sub-Series 3: Copies of Ordinances and Resolutions
These ordinances and resolutions were assigned serial numbers, apparently when they became law. Unfortunately the existence of the bicameral Council system prevented the laws from being arranged into a single numerical order (i.e., since each Board's legislation was entered into its own record book). As a result there is no way, given only an ordinance number, to know in exactly which record book the ordinance is to be found. In order to make such a determination a bit more simple, researchers should consult the number sequences contained in each volume. Ordinances and resolutions are partially indexed (1852-1862).
Dates
- Creation: 1852-1862
Creator
- From the Collection: New Orleans (La.) City Council (Organization)
- From the Collection: New Orleans (La.) Common Council (Organization)
Conditions Governing Access
Available to registered researchers by appointment. Partially available on microfilm. Request by call number.
Requesting Materials
Biographical / Historical
The 1852 city charter provided that each Board of the Common Council could originate, amend, concur in, or reject any ordinance or resolution. No such law would take effect, however, until it had passed both Boards. Ordinances levying a tax, making an appropriation of over $1,000, or providing for the purchase of real estate had to be passed by a majority of the members elected to each Board, not merely by a majority of members present at a given meeting.
These laws, once passed by both Boards of 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 three-fifths vote of the members elected to serve on the Council. The Mayor had the responsibility of seeing that all ordinances and resolutions passed by the Common Council were published in the newspaper selected by the Council.
Extent
40 Volumes (available on 10 rolls of 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