Gretna borrowed its name from the Scottish village famous for runaway marriages, and in the 1800s this side of the river served the same purpose — couples who couldn't marry in New Orleans crossed to Gretna, where the parish clerk wasn't picky. The blacksmith shop at 209 Lafayette Street was the informal chapel: the smith performed the ceremony over his anvil. It operates today as a working museum, forge fired, live demonstrations most Saturdays.
Quick facts
- ·Gretna was named after Gretna Green, Scotland — famous for elopements.
- ·Couples once crossed the river to marry here when New Orleans laws were too strict.
- ·The blacksmith shop offers live forging demonstrations.
- ·Part of the Gretna Historical Society complex on Lavoisier Street.
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