The New Orleans levee system is a network of levees, floodwalls, and gates that protects New Orleans, Louisiana from flooding and storm surges. The system was built over many years, starting in 1727 and continuing through 2008. The federal government spent $14.5 billion to rebuild the system after Katrina. On warm summer nights the levee draws young people and musicians to the area as a great place to sit and watch the river flow by and listen to some great local music.

This musician is playing on the levee directly off Jackson Square at the site of the execution of Jean Baptiste Baudrau II. The “Creole Warrior” Jean Baptiste Baudrau II dit Graveline, was killed on a breaking wheel 266 years ago in a grotesque display of power by French governing officials. He was an important liaison between local Native American tribes and French colonies. Thousands of his descendants are alive today

Jean Baptiste Baudrau II (1717-1757) was born on Dauphin Island to one of the early members of the Louisiana Colony founding party, JB Baudrau dit Graveline and Susanne, "the daughter of a great Chief of the Indian nation," likely Choctaw.